NITRATE, NITRITE AND N-NITROSO COMPOUNDS

A risk assessment has been made on nitrate, nitrite and N-nitroso comp ounds encountered in the human diet. Vegetables constitute a major sou rce of nitrate providing over 85% of the average daily human dietary i ntake. Nitrite and N-nitroso compounds present in the diet contribute relatively small amounts to the body burden and the major source of th ese biologically reactive compounds is derived from the bacterial and mammalian metabolism of ingested nitrate. Additionally, endogenous syn thesis provides an important source contributing to the body burden of nitrate. Data from animal toxicological studies, human effects and ep idemiological surveys have been reviewed and evaluated. It is conclude d that there is no firm scientific evidence at present to recommend dr astic reductions beyond the average levels of nitrate encountered in v egetables grown in keeping with good agricultural practice. Recommenda tions have also been made for further animal and human studies to be c arried out to elucidate the potential risks to man from ingested nitra te.