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!

Who Doesn't Love BOSCO?!

We are absolutely thrilled to add Bosco products to the lineup available at MyBrands.com. Bosco is an American cultural icon from the early commercials during the 50's to modern day Seinfeld episodes. Did you know this stuff was used by Alfred Hitchcock in the famous shower scene from the movie Psyco? That was Bosco Syrup swirling the drain! And it continues to inspire great works. Just ask artist Vik Muniz who has used it to create paintings including his rendition of The Last Supper.

But the real reason Bosco has been such a big hit for so long...the taste! Delicious in milk, over desserts, or just a quick squeeze into your mouth. Hey, why not?! Order some Bosco Syrup today, in the original chocolate or one of the other great flavors.

School Supplies – For a great first day back to school, meal wise, that is!

It is that time of year again to prepare to send the kids back to school, which means stocking up on school supplies for them, and energy for you. So we at My Brands have done some work to make that first day back easy for you and them!

FOR BREAKFAST

For the kids: The most important meal of the day is a delicious start with Krusteaz Chocolate Chip Pancakes and Vermont Maid Syrup and a Boost Kids Essentials.

For you: (In between taking the dog out, packing the lunches, getting the clothes out of the dryer, throwing all the kids supplies in their respective backpacks, and hopefully pushing them out the door in time for the bus) Coffee. Lots of coffee!! Millstone Colombian Coffee

FOR LUNCH

For the kids: A great and healthy meal of Bettern’ Peanut Butter Spread and Polaner Seedless StrawberryJelly Sandwiches, GoGoSqueez All Natural Apple Sauce, and Ocean Spray Trail Mix. Yum!

For you: (Running from meeting to meeting and trying to wrap up the monthly reports in order to be able to get out of work 15 minutes early to pick up the kids to make it to the soccer game and football practice) A handful of King Peppermints chased by a Boost Chocolate Protein Drink.

FOR DINNER

For the kids: A hearty and sumptuous Crock-Pot Stew prepared with Reynolds Slow Cooker Liners to ease the clean-up and served in the convenient Hefty Portion Pan for portability!

For you: (Resigned to your new life of living out of the car for the next several months, taxiing around the kids, their equipment, instruments, friends, and the dog. Oh no, THE DOG! Hurrying home to feed the dog and get back to pick up the kids from evening activities) Mr.Pink Ginseng Vitamin Drink.

Colgate Octagon Soap - the magical mystery soap

With the recent announcement from Colgate that Octagon Soap will no longer be manufactured, the frenzy has been on for those loyal consumers to find the last bars. Like Charlie searching for the golden ticket, calls, Internet searches, and referrals are all up! Thanks to My Brands' unique relationship with Colgate we have been able to allocate a significant portion of the remainder of inventory that came off the line before production was halted.

So if you're looking, now is the time to grab some before it is gone! And who wouldn't want some?! eHow.com suggests possible uses for the all-purpose soap including cleaning laundry, dishes, the stove, and wood working. But that's not all, while I'm sure these are not all confirmed by Colgate, consumers have raved about it's ability to tackle a whole host of other ailments. It has been rumored to handle poison ivy rashes, clear acne, and act as an insect repellent. One caller even suggested it removed growths on her neck and prevented her husband's toes from having to be amputated!

(Inserted disclaimer: My Brands, Colgate, and everyone in between, do not in any way suggest you rely on Octagon Soap as a solution for medical, or heaven forbid, surgical needs. While we appreciate the consumer's enthusiasm and love for the product, we have the sneaking suspicion that these statements are a bit of an exaggeration and not viable when tested against actual medical standards.)

Get your Colgate Octagon Soap before it is gone! Click here to purchase.

UPDATE: My Brands has sold out of its inventory for Colgate Octagon Soap. This product is no longer being manufactured by Colgate, but should they ever decide to start up production again, we will be ready to bring it back to you. In the meantime consider of of the other options we have an a replacement for Octagon Soap at mybrands.com.

We Love Train and our Two-Ply Hefty Bags!

So I'm sure you must have heard Train's latest hit, Drive By, by now. If it weren't for Carly Rae Jepsen, it would probably be the song of the summer. So take a listen! Enjoy your summer, and don't forget to get your two-ply Hefty Bag here! Especially if you are heading to a Train concert this summer.

"Drive By"

On the other side of a street I knew

Stood a girl that looked like you

I guess that's déjà vu

But I thought this can't be true

'Cause you moved to west LA

Or New York or Santa Fe

Or wherever to get away from me

Oh but that one night

Was more than just right

I didn't leave you 'cause I was all through

Oh I was overwhelmed and frankly scared as hell

Because I really fell for you

Oh I swear to you

I'll be there for you

This is not a drive by

Just a shy guy looking for a two-ply

Hefty bag to hold my love

When you move me everything is groovy

They don't like it sue me

Mmm the way you do me

Oh I swear to you

I'll be there for you

This is not a drive by

On the upside of a downward spiral

My love for you went viral

And I loved you every mile you drove away

But now here you are again

So let's skip the "how you been"

And get down to the "more than friends" at last

Oh but that one night

Is still the highlight

I didn't need you until I came to

And I was overwhelmed and frankly scared as hell

Because I really fell for you

Oh I swear to you

I'll be there for you

This is not a drive by

Just a shy guy looking for a two-ply

Hefty bag to hold my love

When you move me everything is groovy

They don't like it sue me

Mmm the way you do me

Oh I swear to you

I'll be there for you

This is not a drive by

Please believe that when I leave

There's nothing up my sleeve but love for you

And a little time to get my head together too

On the other side of a street I knew

Stood a girl that looked like you

I guess that's déjà vu

But I thought this can't be true

'Cause

Oh I swear to you

I'll be there for you

This is not a drive by

Just a shy guy looking for a two-ply

Hefty bag to hold my love

When you move me everything is groovy

They don't like it sue me

Mmm the way you do me

Oh I swear to you

I'll be there for you

This is not a drive by

While staying at the Hilton Chicago, I was pleasantly surprised to find Bonne Maman Preserves served with their breakfast buffet. It is a wonderful spread with bright natural flavors. Bring home the delicious cherry preserves or any of their other fine Bonne Maman varieties!

Greetings foodies! My Brands: Unwrapped is a new blog for MyBrands.com that we plan to use to bring you lots of great content around your favorite brands and products. Check back often to find:

• Recipe ideas
•  Manufacturer updates
• Product reviews
• Meal planning tips
• Guest Bloggers
• News
• And so much more!

Your feedback is more than welcome and we look forward to using this format to encourage and create good discussions around the brands we love! Until next time…