Nitrate-processed vegetables withdrawn from sale

82 kilos of vegetables have been withdrawn from sale in markets and supermarkets in the capital because they contained a quantity of nitrates that exceeded ten times the allowed level. Workers from the Center for Public Health uncovered the harmful vegetables during some surprise inspections, reports Info-Prim Neo. According to a press release from the Center, 244 samples were taken from zucchinis, beetroot, bananas, cucumbers, radishes, melons, eggplants, potatoes and other vegetables and fruits, both imported and domestic. Lab results have shown a high concentration of nitrates in 12 samples. In a domestic beetroot sample, the quantity of nitrates was 1730mg/kg, while the allowed level is 140 mg/kg. In four zucchini samples (two imported, two domestic), the concentration of nitrates was between 533 and 1236 mg/kg, while the norm was 200 mg. A sample of imported cucumbers had a concentration 399 mg/kg, double the norm of 200 mg. Excessive quantities of nitrates were found in samples of melons, radishes, eggplants and potatoes. The agents of the Public Health Supervision Service announced they would continue the monitoring in cooperation with the administration of markets and the State Veterinary Service.