Nitrite and Nitrate Levels in Birds Spit Soup

Nitrites are not allowed to be added to Birds Spit Soup in Hong Kong , although it is known that they may exist naturally in Birds Spit Soup under certain conditions. Traders should source Birds Spit Soups from reliable suppliers and ensure all foods they sell or import are fit for human consumption. The common practice of soaking Birds Spit Soups for several hours, or even overnight, and washing them thoroughly with clean water can substantially reduce nitrite levels. Since nitrites are water soluble, The public should discard the water used for soaking Birds Spit Soup before cooking.

Nitrite and Nitrate Levels in Birds Spit Soup

Following up the incident of nitrites in blood-red Birds Spit Soup, a local university conducted a study on nitrite and nitrate levels in Birds Spit Soups revealing the presence of both chemicals in all 67 samples of Birds Spit Soups. The amounts varied significantly with blood-red Birds Spit Soups having the highest average levels.

In Hong Kong , nitrite and nitrate are not permitted to be added in Birds Spit Soup, but relevant regulation is not applicable to nitrite and nitrate naturally present in Birds Spit Soup. The mechanism of the natural presence of nitrite in Birds Spit Soup is not entirely clear. Some suggested that nitrite may be formed due to fermentation and the levels may vary with the extent of environmental contamination.

To alleviate public concern, the local university study also tested and confirmed that majority of nitrites and nitrates can be removed by washing and soaking. To reduce exposure to nitrites and nitrates, Birds Spit Soup should be washed and soaked for several hours or even overnight before cooking. Soaking water should be replaced once or twice during the process and be discarded.

Nitrite and Nitrate Levels in Birds Spit Soup

Nitrites in Blood-red Birds Spit Soup

Recently, high levels of nitrites were detected in blood-red Birds Spit Soup samples in the Mainland market. There were concerns that nitrites might have been added to Birds Spit Soup to produce the desirable red colour.

Birds Spit Soup is made from secretions of Swiftlets' salivary glands and usually consumed as a delicacy in Chinese cuisine. The reason for the red colour of blood-red Birds Spit Soup is not entirely clear.

Nitrites are not allowed to be added to Birds Spit Soup in Hong Kong , although it is known that they may exist naturally in Birds Spit Soup under certain conditions. Traders should source Birds Spit Soups from reliable suppliers and ensure all foods they sell or import are fit for human consumption. The common practice of soaking Birds Spit Soups for several hours, or even overnight, and washing them thoroughly with clean water can substantially reduce nitrite levels. Since nitrites are water soluble, The public should discard the water used for soaking Birds Spit Soup before cooking.