An alkaline hydrolysis method is described for the release of boundN‐nitrosoproline (NPRO) from cured meats that is more efficient than an enzymic method reported previously. The bound NPRO contents of 17 cured meats analysed ranged between non‐detectable and 578μg/kg (mean 143μg/kg). Administration of defatted meat powder, prepared from such meats, to rats led to increased excretion of free NPRO in the urine that could not be inhibited by concurrent administration of ascorbic acid. The significance of these findings with regard to the use of such cured meats inin vivo N‐nitrosation studies is discussed.