September 2011 update on nitrates in green leafy vegetables

Friday 16 September 2011

The Agency is updating stakeholders on new European legislation on maximum levels for nitrate in green leafy vegetables.

A new regulation includes the following changes to the current Commission Regulation (EC) 1881/2006:

• an increase in the maximum levels for nitrate in fresh spinach to 3,500mg/kg (all year, no seasonal differences)
• an increase in the maximum levels for nitrate in fresh lettuce (non-iceberg) to 5,000mg/kg (winter protected); 4,000mg/kg (summer protected); and 3000mg/kg (summer outdoor)
• an introduction of a maximum level for nitrate in rocket (rucola) of 6,000mg/kg (summer harvested) and 7000mg/kg (winter harvested)
• the discontinuation of the derogation from the maximum levels for certain member states including the UK, for produce grown and intended for consumption in the respective territories

There are no changes to current maximum levels for nitrate in preserved, deep-frozen or frozen spinach, fresh lettuce (winter outdoor) or iceberg lettuce.

The Agency is also seeking to establish the impact of this regulation and is asking interested parties to fill in the attached form and provide information on agronomic practices that help reduce the levels of nitrate.

Responses should be sent to Jonathan Briggs at jonathan.briggs@foodstandards.gsi.gov.uk or Kobby Andam at kwabena.andam@foodstandards.gsi.gov.uk