Inhibiting Effects of Ginger and Rosemary on the Formation of Heterocyclic Amines, Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons, and Trans Fatty Acids in Fried Pork Balls

The preparation of fried meat products is prone to the formation of large amounts of heterocyclic amines (HCAs), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and trans fatty acids (TFAs), which are potential risks to human health. Spices contain natural antioxidants that can inhibit the oxidation of fats and oils and the formation of hazardous substances. In this experiment, the effect of adding different levels (0.25%, 0.75%, 1.25%) of ginger or rosemary during meatball preparation on the formation of HCAs, PAHs and TFAs in fried pork balls was investigated. The results showed that the addition of ginger and rosemary reduced the content of HCAs in fried pork balls compared to the control group (no added spices). The inhibition of total HCAs was 63% when 0.25% ginger was added, while the total HCA content was reduced to 59% when 0.25% rosemary was added. The addition of 0.25% and 0.75% rosemary reduced the PAH content in fried pork balls by 30% and 35%. In addition, ginger and rosemary showed significant inhibition of C20:1 11t in TFAs, with a maximum inhibition rate of 40%. Therefore, adding appropriate levels of ginger or rosemary to fried pork balls could simultaneously inhibit the formation of HCAs, PAHs, and TFAs.