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06.09.2023 - Foods

CVUA: Nitrate in Frozen Spinach

In 2022, the CVUA Stuttgart examined a total of 56 samples of frozen spinach, including 29 samples from organic production, for nitrite and nitrate. Surprisingly, no differences in nitrate content were found between spinach from organic and conventional cultivation. All samples examined complied with the limits set by the Regulation (EU) 2023/915.

Nitrates themselves are relatively harmless. However, nitrates can be converted into nitrite by the action of bacteria, which is the substance actually considered problematic for health, either in the food itself or during digestion. Nitrite can be toxic even in small concentrations. In addition to its acute toxic effect on oxygen transport in the blood, the carcinogenic effect of so-called nitrosamines that can form from nitrite is relevant. Therefore, foods are always examined for nitrite in parallel with nitrate. Fortunately, the examinations conducted by CVUA Stuttgart did not detect nitrite in any of the samples.

In our Tentamus laboratories, we regularly conduct testing for nitrite and nitrate as well as nitrosamines. We provide you with fast and reliable results. Our customer advisors are available for any questions.

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