Food Safety Focus

Nitrite and Nitrate Levels in Red Birds Nest & Nitrites in Red Birds Nest

Nitrite and Nitrate Levels in Red Birds Nest

Following up the incident of nitrites in Red Birds Nest, a local university conducted a study on nitrite and nitrate levels in Red Birds Nests revealing the presence of both chemicals in all 67 samples of Red Birds Nests. The amounts varied significantly with Red Birds Nests having the highest average levels.
In Hong Kong , nitrite and nitrate are not permitted to be added in Red Birds Nest, but relevant regulation is not applicable to nitrite and nitrate naturally present in Red Birds Nest. The mechanism of the natural presence of nitrite in Red Birds Nest 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, Red Birds Nest 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.

Food Safety Focus

Nitrites in Red Birds Nest

Recently, high levels of nitrites were detected in Red Birds Nest samples in the Mainland market. There were concerns that nitrites might have been added to Red Birds Nest to produce the desirable red colour.
Red Birds Nest is made from secretions of Swiftlets' salivary glands and usually consumed as a delicacy in Chinese cuisine. The reason for the red colour of Red Birds Nest is not entirely clear.
Nitrites are not allowed to be added to Red Birds Nest in Hong Kong , although it is known that they may exist naturally in Red Birds Nest under certain conditions. Traders should source Red Birds Nests from reliable suppliers and ensure all foods they sell or import are fit for human consumption. The common practice of soaking Red Birds Nests 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 Red Birds Nest before cooking.