Overview

• Only four of the 22 tested brands earned a “very good” rating, while seven received “poor” or “insufficient” grades for health and quality concerns.
• Twelve products were downgraded for elevated nitrite levels and two flagged for severely high nitrite that can form carcinogenic nitrosamines.
• A Penny frozen spinach sample exceeded EU lead limits, prompting a counter-expert report disputing Öko-Test’s findings, and three other brands showed raised cadmium levels.
• Pesticide residues such as lambda-cyhalothrin and spinosad were detected in several samples, and five products contained less than the EU-mandated 0.8 percent milkfat.
• Öko-Test advises limiting creamed spinach to once per week, chilling leftovers promptly and reheating thoroughly to reduce health risks.