Bird's Nest Knowledge
Is your Bird’s Nest Free from Nitrite?
The issue of bird’s nests containing harmful substances such as nitrite has raised concerns amongst many people, especially pregnant mothers who eat them regularly during their pregnancy stage. In 2011, surveillance conducted by China authorities found that high levels of nitrite was present in various birds’ nests, in particular, the blood-red bird’s nest. Nitrite occurs in the environment, in food and water, and is produced inside living organisms. It can be used as food additive, mainly as a preservative and colour fixative in foods such as cheese products as well as cured and fermented meats.
According to the World Health Organization, the permissible level of nitrite in food is 34ppm. Some scientific studies have shown that nitrite naturally forms in bird’s nests due to a natural fermentation process which occurs in the environment all the time. Some studies also suggested that the high levels of nitrite in bird’s nest may be due to environmental contamination e.g. from bird droppings which contain high levels of nitrite.
“According to the World Health Organization, the permissible level of nitrite in food is 34ppm.”
Nevertheless, it should be noted that nitrite can only be harmful if consumption exceeds standard levels for our bodies. Excessive amounts can decrease the ability of red blood cells to transfer oxygen throughout our body. Moreover, it can react with our stomach juices to form nitrosamines which are potentially carcinogenic. It is known that babies who consume nitrite-contaminated water will result in developing a serious health condition called methemoglobinemia, which is also known as ‘blue baby syndrome’.
With these rising concerns, consumers are naturally more discerning when it comes to selecting bird’s nests. As mentioned, nitrite is inherently present in bird’s nest due to natural biological processes. However, it is possible to achieve negligible levels of nitrite in bird’s nest through proper switflet nest farming techniques and comprehensive cleaning during the processing of the bird’s nest.
Here are two ways to ensure your bird’s nest is nitrite-free:
Purchase your bird’s nest from a reliable and trusted brand
SunshineNest® is a fully integrated bird’s nest producer – from the construction, maintenance and harvesting of farms right through to the processing of the nests as well as packaging, sales and distribution. We are committed to our promise of producing 100% pure bird’s nest without the use of any chemicals, bleaching agents, preservatives, flavouring or colouring. As we only select the finest raw materials to work with, our meticulous processing methods, which comply with internationally-recognised HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) and GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) programmes, further ensures that the bird’s nest you enjoy is of the best quality and hygiene.
Understand the proper way to prepare your bird’s nest
Studies have shown that thoroughly washing and soaking bird’s nest for a few hours can remove a substantial quantity of nitrite in bird’s nest (since nitrite is water-soluble). Water used for soaking bird’s nests should also be replaced once or twice during the soaking process.
“We are commited to our promise of producing 100% pure bird’s nest without the use of any chemicals, bleaching agents, preservatives, flavouring or colouring.”
The issue of bird’s nests containing harmful substances such as nitrite has raised concerns amongst many people, especially pregnant mothers who eat them regularly during their pregnancy stage. In 2011, surveillance conducted by China authorities found that high levels of nitrite was present in various birds’ nests, in particular, the blood-red bird’s nest. Nitrite occurs in the environment, in food and water, and is produced inside living organisms. It can be used as food additive, mainly as a preservative and colour fixative in foods such as cheese products as well as cured and fermented meats.
According to the World Health Organization, the permissible level of nitrite in food is 34ppm. Some scientific studies have shown that nitrite naturally forms in bird’s nests due to a natural fermentation process which occurs in the environment all the time. Some studies also suggested that the high levels of nitrite in bird’s nest may be due to environmental contamination e.g. from bird droppings which contain high levels of nitrite.
“According to the World Health Organization, the permissible level of nitrite in food is 34ppm.”
Nevertheless, it should be noted that nitrite can only be harmful if consumption exceeds standard levels for our bodies. Excessive amounts can decrease the ability of red blood cells to transfer oxygen throughout our body. Moreover, it can react with our stomach juices to form nitrosamines which are potentially carcinogenic. It is known that babies who consume nitrite-contaminated water will result in developing a serious health condition called methemoglobinemia, which is also known as ‘blue baby syndrome’.
With these rising concerns, consumers are naturally more discerning when it comes to selecting bird’s nests. As mentioned, nitrite is inherently present in bird’s nest due to natural biological processes. However, it is possible to achieve negligible levels of nitrite in bird’s nest through proper switflet nest farming techniques and comprehensive cleaning during the processing of the bird’s nest.
Here are two ways to ensure your bird’s nest is nitrite-free:
Purchase your bird’s nest from a reliable and trusted brand
SunshineNest® is a fully integrated bird’s nest producer – from the construction, maintenance and harvesting of farms right through to the processing of the nests as well as packaging, sales and distribution. We are committed to our promise of producing 100% pure bird’s nest without the use of any chemicals, bleaching agents, preservatives, flavouring or colouring. As we only select the finest raw materials to work with, our meticulous processing methods, which comply with internationally-recognised HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) and GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) programmes, further ensures that the bird’s nest you enjoy is of the best quality and hygiene.
Understand the proper way to prepare your bird’s nest
Studies have shown that thoroughly washing and soaking bird’s nest for a few hours can remove a substantial quantity of nitrite in bird’s nest (since nitrite is water-soluble). Water used for soaking bird’s nests should also be replaced once or twice during the soaking process.
“We are commited to our promise of producing 100% pure bird’s nest without the use of any chemicals, bleaching agents, preservatives, flavouring or colouring.”
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