Arsenic in Rice, How Safe Is It To Keep A Rice-Based Diet?

Is Arsenic Present In Rice And Rice-Sub Products?

Rice constitutes one of the main ingredients in worldwide societies. Some of them base their nutrition
in this element. Additionally, many processed foods and beverages we ingest on a daily basis also
contain rice. Examples of them are bakery mixes, puddings, cakes, pies, pizza crusts, beer, protein
beverages, rice beverages, rice wine, ready to eat cereals, infant and toddlers cereals, dietary
supplements, grain-based bars or granola bars, pasta, and snacks. Obviously, we consume more rice
than we realize. But, is rice really healthy and safe? Is it totally safe basing our babiesdiet on rice?

It may not. In fact, the FDA advises on rice consumption for pregnant women and parents or caregivers
of babies and small children to reduce their exposure to inorganic arsenic. This is because rice presents
higher levels of inorganic arsenic than other foods.

But What Is Arsenic? Arsenic is a poisonous substance that is present in the environment as a result of
human activities or by nature from the Earths crust. Arsenic, which behaves like metal, exists in two
forms: organic and inorganic. Inorganic arsenic presents more toxicity than organic, and it is the
combination of arsenic with elements different than carbon. Furthermore, arsenic and its compounds
have been labeled as carcinogenic to human beings.

Arsenic is present in rice not because it is intentionally added, but because as the rice plant grows, the
plant and its grains tend to absorb the arsenic present in the environment. And it tends to absorb it
higher degrees than other crops.

Since 2011, the FDA has been checking the levels of arsenic in foods. The results of the measures of
arsenic concentrations in rice and rice products were just published on April 1st, 2016. The results
show, for instance, the levels of arsenic present in 76 rice cereals for infants. In 2014, 47% of such
cereals met the FDAs indication of maximal 100 ppb inorganic arsenic in infant rice cereal. 78% of
them were below or at 110 ppb.

The Food Standards Agency (UK), has been doing hard work in Europe to make sure that rigid limits
for inorganic arsenic in rice and rice products, particularly targeted to infants and children were put.
This limits started to be applied from January 2016. Furthermore, the FSA specifically advised that rice
drinks should not be used as substitutes for milk, and even indicated to use other alternatives than rice
drinks even in children with allergy or intolerance to cow or soy milk.

Rice and rice products can be good sources of nutrients, but they shouldnt be the only or primary
sources since there are other nutritionally rich grains. It is also advisable to prefer white rice than
brown rice since the brown rice contains higher levels than white rice.

Summarizing, nothing better than a balanced diet to ensure a proper nutrition and protect health. Rice
consumption should not be an exception to the rule. It does not need to be banned from our diet yet
consumed with moderation.

References:
1- http://www.fda.gov/Food/FoodborneIllnessContaminants/Metals/ucm319870.htm
2- Charles-rice refernce.pdf
3- http://www.fda.gov/Food/FoodborneIllnessContaminants/Metals/ucm367263.htm
4-http://www.greenfacts.org/en/arsenic/
5-http://www.cancer.org/cancer/cancercauses/othercarcinogens/intheworkplace/arsenic
6-https://www.food.gov.uk/science/arsenic-in-rice
7-http://www.consumerreports.org/content/dam/cro/magazine-articles/2012/November/Consumer%20Reports
%20Arsenic%20in%20Food%20November%202012_1.pdf