Comparative study of the legislative-normative acts in the control of nitrates in leafy greens

Abstract

The content of nitrates in foods of plant origin permanently comes into notice of consumers, society. Nitrates in large quantities are harmful to the human body, especially children. The legislation of the Republic of Moldova, which regulates the maximum acceptable limit (MAL) of nitrates, namely Government Decision No 115 on The control of nitrates in foods of plant origin, was brought into line with European legislation just in September 2020. In the present study, some aspects related to these normative changes were analyzed. It was determined that the vast majority of spinach samples from local agricultural market exceed 1.1-1.6 times the MAL of nitrates with reference to national legislation and 1.9-2.7 times concerning the legislation of the Russian Federation. Rucola practically falls within the limits established in the national legislation, the MAL being 6000 mg nitrate·kg-1 , but it exceeds by far (in 2.1 times) the MAL established in the Russian Federation. Fresh salad falls within the limits set by national and international laws.

Keywords

• vegetable products
• agricultural policies
• maximum acceptable limit (mal)
• lettuce
• spinach
• rucola