Collaborative Study of Modified AOAC Method of Analysis for Nitrite in Meat and Meat Products

Abstract

A modified version of the AOAC method of analysis for nitrite in meat and meat products was tested collaboratively by 23 laboratories. Results were compared with those obtained by the official AOAC method. Recommended modifications include: (a) substitution of N-(1-naphthyl) ethylenediamine and sulfanilamide for Griess reagent, (b) separate addition and 1:10 dilution of the above reagents, (c) 20 min color development and absorbance read at 540 nm, (d) substitution of NaNO₂ for AgNO₂ and NaCl, (e) omission of mercuric chloride, (f) screening of filter paper for nitrite contamination, (g) more precise dilution of sample aliquot, and (h) standard curve linear up to 10 μg N/50 ml. Results were statistically treated by Youden’s technique for comparing 2 methods, using a matched pair sample scheme. The random error for the modified method was significantly lower than the random error for the official method. A t-test showed no difference in bias between the 2 methods.