What To Do About The Reports On Arsenic in Rice

Many have seen or heard about the Consumer Reports and FDA reports on arsenic levels found in rice. My Brands would like to provide some answers to the a few of the likely questions consumers may have as a result.

What is arsenic?
Arsenic is a natural element typically used to strengthen metal alloys and improve conductivity in metals. It is a known carcinogen however and is harmful when consumed beyond recommended levels.

How much consumption is too much?
Because this is a natural element found in water, soil, plants, etc. there is no way to really eliminate it all together, but the EPA has regulated a safe and tolerable amount acceptable in drinking water to be 10 parts per billion.

How does it get in the rice?
Some of the arsenic comes from historic uses of fertilizers outlawed in the past, but may still linger in the soils. But with rice specifically it is naturally more likely to absorb arsenic from the environment because it picks up the element as the rice paddy is flooded.

Does this mean rice is not safe to eat?
Not at all! The FDA is doing further research in all rice products to better determine the exact levels, but does not recommend altering your current intake of rice. As with most things in life, the FDA simply suggests the healthiest option is eating a well rounded including many varieties of grains. To give a little perspective, the Consumer Reports study showed about one gram of arsenic for every 115,000 servings of rice. That's a lot of rice!