Alaska Pollock (Theragra chalcogramma) Mince and Surimi as Partial Meat Substitutes in Frankfurters: N-Nitrosodimethylamine Formation

Studies were conducted to determine the feasibility of using 3 forms of Alaska pollock (AP) as a partial substitute for meat in a nitrite-cured product. The effect of several pre- and post-processing storage conditions on N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) were studied in frankfurters substituted with 15 and 50% unwashed and washed mince and surimi. In franks made with unwashed mince, frozen stored prior to processing, NDMA increased during frozen storage; little change was observed in franks containing washed mince and surimi. Refrigerated storage of franks generally showed a decrease in NDMA with all 3 forms of fish. Overall, the use of washed mince and surimi at the 15% substitution level gave mean values less than 2 ppb NDMA, even after boiling. The results indicate that 50% unwashed AP mince should not be used as a partial substitute for meat in frankfurters.