NITRATE LEVELS IN VEGETABLES THAT MAY BE EATEN RAW

The levels of nitrates (and nitrites) in some common vegetables were d etermined by the spectrophotometric method. Only vegetables generally eaten raw were considered. The nitrate concentration found in many sam ples was higher than the concentration found in spinach, a well-known rich source of nitrates. The high nitrate values are probably due to u se of fertilizers. The amount: of nitrates detected in commercial lett uce samples was very high, while lettuce cultivated without fertilizin g contained low amounts. The results are of relevance when considering the amount of nitrates consumed in a normal diet, and should be caref ully considered by legislators and health organizations.