For the first half of 2023, the RSE at the REM “National Center of Expertise” of the State Examination Committee of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Kazakhstan examined more than 17 thousand samples of fruits and vegetables and, based on the results of the test, revealed an excess of nitrate content in 592 samples.

The most positive results for nitrate content were found in melons, watermelons, melons, and onions.

The highest rate of inconsistencies was detected in the NCE branches in Akmola (8.6%), Zhambyl (7.1%) and Pavlodar regions (6.7%).

It is worth noting that many vegetables and fruits accumulate harmful substances on the surface. Before eating zucchini, potatoes, apples and cucumbers, you must peel them. In carrots, you should not eat the middle, it can be dangerous. Nitrate watermelon has yellowish veins and compactions in the flesh. There are vegetables in which nitrates accumulate not only in the upper leaves, but also inside. One of these vegetables is cabbage.

Let us remember that nitrates are salts of nitric acid and are necessary for plants to develop normally. However, in case of excessive fertilization of soils with substances containing nitric acid salts, crops absorb excessive amounts of them and become hazardous to health.