A survey of nitrite concentrations in retail fresh vegetables

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Abstract
A survey of nitrite (NO− 2) in fresh retail vegetables was conducted in the UK over twelve months. Samples of lettuce, cabbage, spinach, potatoes and carrots were bought at two‐monthly intervals and analysed within 30 h of purchase using a method developed for fresh vegetables. Of 606 edible samples, 566 (93.4%) had no detectable NO− 2, and 40 (mainly potatoes) contained trace amounts (< 0.4 mg kg−1). Four samples (spinach) which had deteriorated during their shelf‐life and were considered inedible had amounts ranging from 12 to 222 mg kg−1 NO− 2. The results confirm that poor storage is a rare occurrence in retail vegetables in the UK.

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