EN
The levels of nitrates and nitrites in 20 selected sorts of vegetables have been determined. The samples of vegetables were obtained from stores selling conventional market crops and those offering certifield organically grown vegetables. The permissible nitrate limits were exceeded in over 52% examined samples. Nitrate and nitrite levels of certified organically grown vegetables were higher than those of their conventionally grown equivalents. Particularly high nitrate concentrations were detected in early vegetables, where, depending on vegetable species, the values were by 20% to 350% higher than the relevant admissible levels.