The level of nitrate and nitrite in some fruits available in the local markets in District 7, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Abstract

Nitrate and nitrite are main contaminants in fruits that must be controlled due to their potential adverse health effects on humans. The objectives of this study were to analyze levels of nitrate and nitrite in some selected fruits in local markets in District 7, Ho Chi Minh City, and to determine whether estimated dietary exposure to nitrate and nitrite poses a risk to human health. Mango, banana, tomato, and cucumber were collected and tested. Nitrate levels varied widely, ranging from 89 mg/kg to 1104 mg/kg across different fruits. Mango had the highest average nitrate level (588 mg/kg), while tomato had the lowest (109 mg/kg). Nitrite levels in fruits were significantly lower than nitrate levels, ranging from 0.090 mg/kg to 2.60 mg/kg. Mango had the highest average nitrite level (0.77 mg/kg), and cucumber had the lowest (0.01 mg/kg). The nitrate and nitrite health risk quotient (RQ) was within acceptable limits, indicating that nitrate and nitrite intake from fruit consumption poses no health risk to the local population. When the endogenous process of nitrate to nitrite transformation was considered, the EDI of nitrite increased significantly compared to the original calculation, but the result remained within the acceptable limit.