Assessment of the level of nitrate and nitrates in local and imported meat products

ABSTRACT

This study investigated the levels of nitrate and nitrite salts present in both local and imported meat products, in an effort to throw some light, and draw attention to the amount of these salts ingested by the average Egyptian consumer. Samples were collected at random from six districts of Alexandria during the summer and winter season. Levels differed from one product to another, but the most alarming finding was that most local meat products contained nitrites and nitrates in levels well above those specified by international limits. Imported meat products were found to be within both international and Egyptian limits. Also it was noticed that during the summer season more nitrate and nitrite were added to local meat products