Nitrate/Nitrite

Fera Science Limited can analyse food or feed samples to measure levels of nitrate and nitrite. The methods used are fully compliant with EU contaminants legislation to allow you to assess your compliance with regulatory limits in place.

UKAS Accredited Analysis

Using methodology which is accredited to ISO17025, Fera Science Limited can analyse food and feed samples to quantify the levels of nitrate and nitrite present. The methods used are also compliant with EU contaminant legislation to allow you to assess your samples’ compliance with regulatory limits.

Reason for test

Nitrates themselves are not highly toxic, nitrites which can be formed from them are, hence monitoring nitrate levels in food and feed is important and is regulated in some foods and feed.

Naturally occurring levels of nitrate in spinach (fresh, prepared, deep-frozen or frozen), fresh lettuce, ‘Iceberg’ type lettuce, rucola, processed cereal-based food and baby foods for infants and young children are regulated as described in Commission Regulation (EU) No 1881/2006 and its amendments.

In addition to occurring naturally, nitrates and nitrites are allowed for use in foods as preservatives and as such are controlled as additives. When used in this context nitrates are controlled under Regulation (EU) 1333/2008 which provides as list of approved additives and conditions of their use. Council Directive No 95/2/EU on food additives other than colours and sweeteners gives instruction on the maximum residual level allowed in the finished product.

It is crucial that nitrate levels in animal feed are monitored, again due to the toxic effect of nitrates. In ruminants nitrate is converted to nitrite by bacteria in the rumen, the nitrite then coverts into ammonia which then combines with carbohydrate-derived keto acids to form amino acids resulting in potential ammonia toxicosis.

The presence of nitrate in animal feed is controlled under Directive 2002/32/EC on undesirable substances in animal feed and The Feeding Stuffs (England) Regulations 2005.

FC24 is an essential source of up to date legislative requirements (www.fc24.eu).