Arsenic Levels In Rice ‘Worrisome’

LOS ANGELES — Arsenic is common in rice and popular rice-based products such as cereals, pastas, drinks and crackers, according to an investigation by Consumer Reports.

The watchdog group says that it found “significant” and “worrisome” amounts of inorganic arsenic in nearly every rice product tested. Consumer Reports urged the public to consume fewer rice products and asked the Food and Drug Administration to set limits on arsenic levels.

Inorganic arsenic is a carcinogen, affecting the bladder, lungs and skin, and can cause long-term health problems when ingested by children. Organic arsenic is less toxic but still “of concern,” according to Consumer Reports.

Both types of arsenic are often found in vegetables, fruits and water. This year, the product-testing organization found that it was common in apple and grape juices.

Consumer Reports said it tested more than 200 samples of rice products, including some from major labels, organic and conventional purveyors, and gluten-free companies. Rice, grown partly submerged, absorbs arsenic found naturally in soil and water.

Some infant rice cereals had five times the inorganic arsenic found in alternatives, such as oatmeal. White rice grown in Arkansas, Louisiana, Missouri and Texas — the source of more than three-quarters of domestic rice — had higher levels of arsenic than other samples.

Eating just over half a cup of cooked rice a day increased urinary arsenic levels, a similar effect to drinking a liter of water containing the federal maximum of 10 parts per billion of arsenic, according to a study quoted by Consumer Reports.

The $34 billion rice industry says the concerns are overblown.

“There is no documented evidence of actual adverse health effects from exposure to arsenic in U.S.-grown rice,” Anne Banville, a vice president at the USA Rice Federation trade association, said.