This study aimed at determination of the concentrations of nitrates and nitrites in selected soft drinks sold in Lafia, Nasarawa State, Nigeria, and to assess their compliance with international safety standards. Six brands of carbonated soft drinks: (A, B, C)-orange flavour, (D, E and F)-cola flavour were purchased from local retail outlets, 5 per each brand from different batches of production. Nitrate and nitrite concentrations were determined using UV-Visible spectrophotometry, with nitrite measured via the Griess colorimetric method and nitrate determined after cadmium column reduction. The mean nitrate concentrations in various carbonated soft drinks were as follows: A (4.31±0.02 mg/L), B (4.07±0.03), C (4.25 ±0.02 mg/L), D (3.73 ±0.02 mg/L), E (4.06 ±0.03 mg/L) and F (4.32 ±0.02), all of which were below the World Health Organization (WHO) and European Commission (EC) maximum limit of 50 mg/L. The nitrite concentrations in various soft drinks were as follows: A(2.16 ±0.02 mg/L), B(1.22 ±0.02 mg/L), C(0.95 ±0.03mg/L), D(1.78 ±0.03), E(0.14 ±0.02 mg/L) and F(1.08 ±0.02) with five out of six samples exceeding the WHO/EC permissible limit of 0.5 mg/L. Comparison with literature revealed that nitrate values were similar or slightly lower than those reported in other Nigerian cities, while nitrite levels were generally higher, indicating possible regional quality control challenges. In conclusion, nitrate levels in studied soft drinks were within safe limits while nitrite contamination is a significant public health concern. Soft drink, E, was the only brand that complied fully with both nitrate and nitrite standards, highlighting the feasibility of safer production practices. The study recommends stricter regulatory monitoring by NAFDAC, improved water purification by manufacturers, proper additive control, and public awareness campaigns to reduce the risks associated with high nitrite intake.