The influence of partial replacements of NaCl by KCl (0, 10, 20, and 30%) on the heterocyclic aromatic amine (HAAs) contents and quality characteristics of bacon were investigated. The Na+ content, moisture, aw, pH, L* value, and sensory saltiness decreased and K+ content, a* value, and sensory bitterness increased significantly with increased substituting rates of NaCl by KCl (p < 0.05). There were no significant differences between the control and KCl substitution samples for the b* value, redness, and sensory off-odor (p > 0.05). The creatine content was not affected by the different KCl-substituting rates during the marinating process (p > 0.05), but it diminished in the smoking and frying processes (p < 0.05). The increase in the KCl-substituting rates increased the total heterocyclic aromatic amine (HAA) contents in fried bacon (p < 0.05). Moreover, the nonpolar HAA content in bacon was higher than the polar HAA content (p < 0.05). In summary, the partial replacement of NaCl by KCl increased the total HAA content and led to changes in bacon quality.
Bacon usually have a high salt content. Excessive intake of salt could cause a harm to human health. Heterocyclic aromatic amines (HAAs) are carcinogenic and mutagenic heterocyclic compounds formed by the reactions of precursor substances at high temperature. This study investigated the influence of different levels of NaCl on the HAA contents and quality characteristics of bacon. Moisture, a w , L* value, b* value, thiobarbituric acid-reactive substance (TBARS), and carbonyl content increased significantly with a decrease in the NaCl concentration of the brine (p < 0.05). There were no significant differences between treatments for a* value, pH, creatine content, sensory redness, bitterness, or off-odor (p > 0.05). Sensory evaluation showed that saltiness in bacon increased significantly with increased NaCl concentrations in brine. The increased NaCl concentrations decreased the total HAAs in fried bacon (p < 0.05). Moreover, the nonpolar HAA contents in bacon were higher than the polar HAA contents; salt concentration mainly affected the nonpolar HAA content. In summary, salt content had a significant influence on the HAA content and the quality characteristic of bacon.
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