Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 30, 2026
03:55
A Sensitive Visual Method for the Detection of Hydrogen Sulfide Producing Bacteria
Published on: June 27, 2022
4.2K
Nitrite in hamburgers in Arak, Iran
Mohammad Rezaei1, Nabi Shariatifar, Gholamreza Jahed Khaniki
1a Department of Food Safety and Hygiene, School of Public Health , Tehran University of Medical Sciences , Tehran , Iran.
Summary
Nitrite was detected in 85.7% of hamburgers in Arak city, Iran. Residual nitrite levels ranged from 30-100 mg/kg, indicating potential issues with production standards for this meat additive.
Area of Science:
- Food Science
- Analytical Chemistry
- Public Health
Background:
- Nitrite and nitrate are common meat additives for color, flavor, and microbial protection.
- Excessive nitrite/nitrate intake poses health risks, including potential carcinogenicity.
- Organic and natural food standards prohibit chemical preservatives like nitrite/nitrate.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify residual nitrite levels in hamburgers sold in Arak city, Iran.
- To assess compliance with food safety standards regarding nitrite use in hamburgers.
Main Methods:
- Random sampling of 105 hamburger specimens.
- Analysis of residual nitrite using the Official AOAC Method 973.
Main Results:
- Nitrite was detected in 85.7% of the analyzed hamburger samples.
- Residual nitrite concentrations ranged from 30 to 100 mg/kg (p < 0.001).
Conclusions:
- The widespread presence of nitrite in hamburgers suggests non-compliance with regulations, particularly for products not intended to be cured.
- Findings indicate potentially poor production conditions and inadequate sodium nitrite standards in local hamburger manufacturing.
- Further investigation and stricter oversight are recommended to ensure food safety and consumer health.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:202° Amines to N-Nitrosamines: Reaction with NaNO2
3.9K
Secondary amines react with nitrous acid to form N-nitrosamines, as depicted in Figure 1. Nitrous acid, a weak and unstable acid, is formed in situ from an aqueous solution of sodium nitrite and strong acids, such as hydrochloric acid or sulfuric acid, in cold conditions. In the presence of an acid, the nitrous acid gets protonated. The subsequent loss of water results in the formation of the electrophile known as nitrosonium ion.
3.9K
01:261° Amines to Diazonium or Aryldiazonium Salts: Diazotization with NaNO2 Overview
1.9K
Nitrous acid and nitric acids are two types of acids containing nitrogen, among which nitrous acid is weaker than nitric acid. Nitrous acid with a pKa value of 3.37 ionizes in water to give a nitrite ion and the hydronium ion.
The nitrous acid is unstable. Hence, it is formed in situ from a solution of sodium nitrite and cold aqueous acids such as hydrochloric or sulfuric acid. In an acidic solution, the –OH group of nitrous acid undergoes protonation to give oxonium ion, followed by...
The nitrous acid is unstable. Hence, it is formed in situ from a solution of sodium nitrite and cold aqueous acids such as hydrochloric or sulfuric acid. In an acidic solution, the –OH group of nitrous acid undergoes protonation to give oxonium ion, followed by...
1.9K
01:26Physical Properties of Amines
3.2K
Amines with low molecular weight are usually gaseous at room temperature, while those with high molecular weight are liquid or solids in nature. Usually, low molecular weight amines have a rotten fish-like smell. Diamines typically have a pungent smell. For instance, cadaverine and putrescine, depicted in Figure 1, are two molecules responsible for decaying tissue.
3.2K
01:20Electrophilic Aromatic Substitution: Nitration of Benzene
7.4K
The nitration of benzene is an example of an electrophilic aromatic substitution reaction. It involves the formation of a very powerful electrophile, the nitronium ion, which is linear in shape. The reaction occurs through the interaction of two strong acids, sulfuric and nitric acid.
7.4K
01:19Acid Mine Drainage
112
Mining activities that disturb sulfide-rich rocks, particularly those containing pyrite (FeS₂), initiate a cascade of geochemical and microbiological processes with serious environmental implications. When exposed to air and water, pyrite undergoes oxidation, releasing sulfate, ultimately forming sulfuric acid and mobilizing heavy metals into surrounding water systems. This phenomenon, known as acid mine drainage (AMD), results in low pH waters laden with toxic elements that threaten...
112
01:22Inorganic Nitrogen Assimilation
928
Nitrogen is an essential element in biological systems, forming a crucial component of proteins, nucleic acids, and other cellular constituents. Many bacteria and archaea acquire nitrogen in the form of nitrate (NO₃⁻) or ammonia (NH₃), which are then assimilated into biomolecules through specific enzymatic pathways.Assimilatory Nitrate ReductionWhen nitrate enters the cell, it undergoes a two-step reduction process known as assimilatory nitrate reduction. Initially, the enzyme...
928