Arsenic in Rice Claims Under Probe. Data from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) shows arsenic levels in rice and rice products comparable to those found by a Consumer Reports investigation. In an analysis of the FDA’s test results from more than 1,300 samples, Consumer Reports found the highest levels of inorganic ‘arsenic’ in parboiled […]
Arsenic in Rice Claims Under Probe. Data from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) shows arsenic levels in rice and rice products comparable to those found by a Consumer Reports investigation.
In an analysis of the FDA’s test results from more than 1,300 samples, Consumer Reports found the highest levels of inorganic ‘arsenic’ in parboiled white rice, an average of 114 parts per billion (ppb), the Washington Post reports. Instant rice had the lowest, at an average of 59 ppb. Medium-grain rice from California had lower ‘arsenic’ levels than rice from other areas of the United States. Although inorganic ‘arsenic’ is a known carcinogen, there are no federal limits for it in rice, juice, or most other food, the Post reports.
The FDA found higher inorganic arsenic levels in rice products than Consumer Reports’ test results from 2012. This was true for rice beverages that are used as a milk substitute, and this underscores CR’s advice that rice drinks should not be in the daily diet of children under five.
In a first step toward reducing unnecessary exposure to ‘arsenic’ in food, last year the FDA proposed an “action level” of 10 ppb for inorganic ‘arsenic’ in apple juice. But Consumer Reports’ food safety experts concluded that the proposed guideline does not sufficiently protect public health, according to the Post. CR’s experts urge a tougher level that “creates an incentive for the marketplace to reduce levels of inorganic ‘arsenic’ in apple juice and thereby reduce risk.” Consumer Reports experts said the FDA significantly underestimated how much juice children drink. The FDA’s highest daily consumption estimate for children under six was eight ounces, but a CR survey showed that 25 percent of children drank more than eight ounces, with 12 percent consuming 16 ounces or more. Consumer Reports recommends a limit of 3 ppb of total arsenic for apple juice and also urged action levels for juices such as pear and grape, which have been tested at levels higher than 10 ppb.
FDA tests also found elevated levels of ‘arsenic’ in beer, many of which contain some form of rice as an ingredient. Ten of 65 beer samples tested contained inorganic arsenic levels from 15 ppb to 26 ppb, significantly more than the federal drinking-water limit of 10 ppb for total ‘arsenic’.
The personal injury attorneys at Parker Waichman LLP offer free, no-obligation case evaluations. For more information, fill out our online contact form or call 1-800-YOURLAWYER (1-800-968- 7529).