Message from America's Rice Farmers

America's rice farmers and rice companies take pride in giving consumers wholesome, high quality and nutritious rice. We know that arsenic in food is alarming for many consumers and that you may have questions. We also want you to know what steps the rice industry is taking to address concerns raised about arsenic in rice.  The rice industry supports the process by which FDA is moving forward with its sampling and scientific investigation and is fully cooperating with FDA.

FDA Looks at Arsenic in Rice

The FDA is in the process of collecting and analyzing a total of approximately 1,200 samples to examine the issue thoroughly.  This data collection will be completed soon. Once the data collection is completed, FDA will analyze these results and determine whether or not to issue additional recommendations.

Based on the currently available data and scientific literature the FDA does not have an adequate scientific basis to recommend changes by consumers regarding their consumption of rice and rice products.  Click here to read FDA's September 2012 press statement.

 

  • Is Rice Safe to Eat?

    brown rice scoop

    Rice is a wholesome, nutritious and affordable food that has supported half the world's populations for hundreds of years.

    There is no documented evidence in the United States that links rice consumption to human health problems.

    The overall arsenic content of U.S. rice is similar to rice grown in other parts of the world, according to the World Health Organization's food safety standards body.

    FDA says there is no scientific data to support dietary changes.

     

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  • What is the Rice Industry Doing?

    rice head

    The U.S. rice industry is committed to maintaining the safety of U.S. grown rice and supports the FDA's examination of the issue to better understand the science of arsenic in food.

    The rice industry is conducting research to determine the impact of agronomic practices and processing on arsenic uptake in rice and documenting the known health benefits of rice consumption versus perceived risk.

    Independent laboratory analysis using the FDA's arsenic testing method found the arsenic content of U.S. rice within the range of international rice samples.

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  • What Do Health and Medical Experts Say?

    Dr. Keith-Thomas Ayoob"During my more than 25 years of clinical practice, I have never seen any of my patients become ill or suffer a health condition due to arsenic in food, not even foods that consumers eat on a daily basis."
    – Dr. Keith-Thomas Ayoob

    "In general, although more rice intake seems to mean more arsenic exposure, populations with the highest rice intake actually have lower, not higher, rates of cancer than ours in the U.S.  The presence of a contaminant in a food does not necessarily mean there is a problem."
    – Dr. David Katz.

    "I think the best thing to do is go on with what you’re doing and realize that [the risk] was a little overstated. The levels are low, and there are many other foods that have this."
    – Dr. Frank LoVecchio

    "Based on the currently available data and scientific literature the FDA does not have an adequate scientific basis to recommend changes by consumers regarding their consumption of rice and rice products."  -- FDA

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  • Scientific Data on Arsenic in Rice

    New Test Results Show Arsenic Levels in US Rice Lowest among World Health Organization Codex Countries

    CODEX Report: U.S. Rice Has Lowest Inorganic Arsenic Levels Reported

    CODEX Discussion Paper on Arsenic in Rice

    In Vitro Assessment of the Bioaccessibility of Arsenicals in Rice

    EPA Exposure Models Predict Scientific Exposure to Arsenic that Echo Reality

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