Patent ID: 6679270
Filing Date: 2004-01-20
Classification: A24B

Abstract:
A method for reducing the content of nitrosamines in tobacco, said method comprising:combining tobacco with an aqueous solvent to form a soluble portion, said soluble portion containing an initial total level of tobacco-specific nitrosamines per gram of said soluble portion, said tobacco-specific nitrosamines being selected from the group consisting of Nâ€²-Nitrosonornicotine, 4-(Methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone, Nâ€²-Nitrosoanatabine, Nâ€²-Nitrosoanabasine, and combinations thereof; thereafter, contacting said soluble portion with a nitrosamine-reducing material such that the resulting total level of said tobacco-specific nitrosamines per gram of said soluble portion is at least about 20% less than said initial total level of said tobacco-specific nitrosamines per gram of said soluble portion, said nitrosamine-reducing material including an absorbent, adsorbent, or combinations thereof; and optionally, incorporating said soluble portion with a reduced level of said tobacco-specific nitrosamines into a tobacco product.