Determination of Nitrates Levels in Spinach and Lettuce in Albanian Market

Abstract Vegetable consumption is constantly increasing since they provide substances such as minerals, vitamins, dietary fiber and bioactive substances useful for human health. The purpose of this study was to analyze nitrate levels in spinach and lettuce produced in different regions of Albania and determines whether their estimated quantity exceeds allowed levels constituting a risk to human health and safety. Nitrates in a typical diet come from drinking water (about 21%), vegetables and fruits (more than 70%) but can also be obtained from meat products (about 6%) in which sodium nitrate is used as a preservative and color-enhancing agent [1]. Nitrate (and potential endogenous formation of N-nitroso compounds) In: WHO Food Additive series World Health Organization, (Geneva 2003, 50)2013 7.