Consumer Reports issued new guidelines for rice consumption, after discovering that some types of rice contain higher levels of arsenic than others.
Published in the January 2015 issue of its magazine, Consumer Reports Food Safety and Sustainability Center researchers tested the arsenic levels of 128 white, basmati and jasmine rice samples and compared the data to its original study conducted in 2012, as well as tests from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
The report revealed that many different types of rice contain much more cancer-causing arsenic than previous studies have shown.
Based on the data from the total of 697 rice samples tested, the levels of inorganic arsenic level vary with geography. The new study found that rice from Texas, Arkansas and Louisiana have the highest levels of arsenic. California's basmati rice was found to have the lowest levels.
According to the report, organic doesn't mean healthier. Organic rice was found to have the same levels of arsenic as traditional rice. Brown rice, while also thought to be healthier, was found to have 80 percent more arsenic than white rice. The best options for brown rice comes from California, India and Pakistan.
In response to the findings, Consumer Reports' new guidelines recommend that children should rarely eat hot rice cereals, rice cakes or pasta.
Along with white rice from California, India and Pakistan, Consumer Reports suggests substituting rice with bulgur, barely, faro, and gluten-free options like quinoa, millet and buckwheat.
"We are very pleased to learn that there are lower arsenic choices when it comes to rice and alternative grains. This is great news for consumers who can now use our information to make better decisions for themselves and their families and reinforces our advice to vary your grains," said Urvashi Rangan, Director of Consumer Safety and Sustainability. "In the meantime, we continue to call on the FDA to set standards for arsenic in rice-based foods and are particularly concerned about the effects on children."
The USA Rice Federations responded in a statement saying that the FDA found arsenic levels in rice to be at safe levels. "Studies show that including white or brown rice in the diet provides measurable health benefits that outweigh the potential risks associated with exposure to trace levels of arsenic."
It is suggested that children eat hot rice cereal only once every two weeks and people of all ages limit their pasta and other rice-product intake as well.
Photo Credit: Prem Sichanugrist/ Flickr
