CADMIUM AND NICKEL CONTENT IN FROZEN SPINACH FROM SLOVAKIA SALES NETWORK

Abstract

In the present work, we focused on monitoring the content of hazardous elements in retail packs Spinach (Spinacia oleracea, L.). Among the most hazardous substances that can get into the spinach are nitrates, pesticide residues. The heavy metals as cadmium, mercury, cobalt, nickel, lead and copper. Into productive parts of plants may get land through the atmosphere or contaminated water. Spinach is among reigns supreme wheatgrass. It is a rich source of minerals, vitamins and folic acid. For this article we have chosen to risk elements cadmium and nickel, which we compared with the maximum level defined by the Codex Alimentarius Commission of the Slovak Republic and the values that are set out in Commission Regulation EU No. 420/2011 and no. No 1881/2006 setting maximum levels for contaminants in foods. The results obtained suggest that in either case there was no exceeded of monitored contaminants. The average levels observed risk elements were in the following intervals: Cd 0:03 to 0:10 mg.kg-1, Ni 0697-1218 mg.kg-1. The results will show that in the case of cadmium, we had exceeded the limit value in six samples and nickel was not exceeding the limit value.