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Rice is a staple food in many countries around the world. The question then is whether some of its varieties are dangerous to people?
For example, concerns about lead in rice are based on scientific research. Some time ago researchers published a study that revealed high levels of lead in imported rice.
What the rice tests showed
However, as later turned out, the test results may have been skewed by faulty testing equipment.
The first to present the alarming test results was Tsanangurayi Tongesayi, a doctoral student at Monmouth University in New Jersey in 2013.
He tested rice imported from China, Taiwan, Bhutan, India, Thailand and Italy, which showed levels of lead contamination at 6 to 12 parts per million (ppm).
That is almost 10 times more than is considered safe.
However, when the tests were later repeated so the study could be published in the Journal of Environmental Science and Health, the level was only 1 part per million, which is incomparably lower than in the previous measurements.
The researcher therefore sent the measuring equipment back to the manufacturer, who later confirmed that the instruments had been poorly calibrated.
Researchers are still trying to measure the actual lead contamination of rice using other methods, but for now it appears that lead is not a problem.
Rice and arsenic
The situation is different with arsenic. In this case it has been repeatedly confirmed that up to 60% of rice and rice products available on the market show exceeded limits.
The question arises where the arsenic in rice comes from?
Arsenic can naturally occur in water, soil and rocks, with its occurrence varying between locations. It is also a component of some pesticides.
Arsenic has the property that it can easily enter the food chain because it accumulates both in plants and in animals. After being consumed by humans it then has a significantly negative effect on health.
Arsenic is the main reason why you should try to limit your rice consumption.
However, if you like rice and do not want to give it up, at least try to buy varieties that show lower levels of arsenic contamination.
Conclusion
Tests indicate that rice with lower arsenic occurrence include, for example, rice from California. Alternatively, focus on brands that specifically claim to contain low levels of this toxic metal.
You cannot rely on the label “bio” or “organic” for arsenic in rice, because organic rice can be grown on soil and in water with a high natural occurrence of this element.
