Unreliable nitrate testers in the market pose a threat, according to the food regulatory body's warning
In a recent statement, the National Food Agency of Georgia has confirmed that accurate nitrate testing in fruits and vegetables requires lab-based chemical analysis carried out in ISO-accredited laboratories using internationally recognized methodologies. This approach ensures reliability and regulatory compliance, as opposed to unreliable rapid field-testing devices.
The agency tests approximately 400 fruit and vegetable samples annually using strict protocols, screening for nitrates, pesticides, and radionuclides. These tests are conducted in accordance with both national legislation and global practices.
Most of the tested fruits and vegetables met safety standards. However, four samples of beets and cabbages were found to contain excessive nitrate levels. As a result, these samples have been removed from sale under the supervision of the National Food Agency of Georgia.
The agency urges the public to trust only laboratory-verified results and warns against the use of unverified devices to measure nitrate levels in produce. They specifically reject suspicious on-site devices or portable nitrate testers for official assessments due to their inaccuracy and potential to mislead consumers.
Only ISO-accredited laboratories following standardized, validated chemical testing methods, such as spectrophotometric or chromatographic techniques, are recognized for nitrate analysis in food products in Georgia. The agency's testing includes sampling seasonal produce like watermelon, melon, apples, peaches, tomatoes, beets, and cabbage, collected from markets and retail locations across the country.
Officials continue to carry out daily inspections of fruits and vegetables, ensuring the safety and quality of the produce for consumers. The National Food Agency of Georgia encourages everyone to prioritize trustworthy, laboratory-verified results when making choices about the produce they consume.
- The National Food Agency of Georgia encourages people to prioritize lab-verified results for nitrate levels in produce, as only ISO-accredited laboratories using standardized, validated chemical testing methods like spectrophotometric or chromatographic techniques provide reliable results.
- Regarding health-and-wellness, the agency urges the public to avoid relying on unverified devices or suspicious on-site testing for nitrate levels, as their inaccuracy can mislead consumers and potentially pose a risk to health.
- While screenings for nitrates, pesticides, and radionuclides are conducted in the field, the agency emphasizes that nutritious food choices, incorporating a variety of fruits and vegetables like watermelon, melon, apples, peaches, tomatoes, beets, and cabbage, should also factor in the lifestyle and food-and-drink habits that contribute to overall wellness.
