Nitrate and Nitrite Content of Greek Cheeses

Nitrates and nitrites were determined in 140 samples of greek cheeses produced from sheepʹs milk. The samples were selected to constitute a representative survey of the greek cheese manufacturers. Determination was based on the method of the International Dairy Federation (IDF). Results for nitrates in different types of cheese vary. Gruyere and Feta were found to contain 1.6–7.4 (mean 4 ± 1.62) ppm and 0.7–13.1 (mean 4 ± 2.23) ppm, respectively. Casseri, Kefalotyri, and the remaining types of cheeses were found to contain 1.2–7.8 (mean 4 ± 1.52) ppm, 1.3–9.5 (mean 4 ± 2.41) ppm, and 1.9–8.4 (mean 4 ± 2.04) ppm nitrates, respectively. Only one sample had a nitrate level outside the legal limits. All samples had nitrite levels inside the legal limits.