A new report is warning of heavy levels of arsenic in some rice products

A new food safety investigation finds that some rice products can contain concerning levels of arsenic - a potential dangerous heavy metal. Pat Foran explains.

Whether it’s for sushi or stir-fry, rice is a popular meal and a regular lunch and dinner staple in many countries around the world. However, a new food safety investigation is warning some rice products can contain concerning levels of arsenic.

A new Consumer Reports investigation found that numerous rice products have high levels of inorganic arsenic, a dangerous form of a heavy metal and known carcinogen.

“Inorganic arsenic, especially, is associated with some serious health effects. We know that it’s associated with skin cancer, bladder cancer, type two diabetes, and cardiovascular effects,” said Kevin Loria with Consumer Reports.

Arsenic is found in soil and water and because rice is grown in flooded fields, it can absorb the heavy metal.

Consumer Reports bought 52 rice products from store shelves, then sent them to a specialized lab for testing.

“We detected measurable levels of arsenic and specifically inorganic arsenic in every sample of rice that we tested,” said Loria.

After testing was finished, data revealed that arsenic levels vary on the type of rice. The study discovered that brown rice can have higher levels of more inorganic arsenic than white rice of the same type. Basmati and sushi rice were shown to have less arsenic in comparison.

More than 40 per cent of the tested products had enough arsenic that eating just one serving a day, over time, could raise the risk of cancer and Type 2 diabetes. Several brands like Lundberg and Whole Foods told Consumer Reports they test for heavy metals, but many other companies didn’t respond.

According to Health Canada’s website, “the concentrations of arsenic in foods sold in Canada are low and have been stable for many years.”

Health Canada said that in order to reduce exposure to arsenic you should eat a variety of healthy foods each day and vary the types of whole grains in your diet.

“When cooking rice, cook it in extra water, drain the rice, and throw out the cooking water.”

Consumer Reports agreed, as this method can reduce arsenic levels.

Bottom line? Don’t overeat rice. Use different sides from time to time, including quinoa and oats, which tests show are lower in arsenic and when choosing rice, consider lower-arsenic varieties like basmati and sushi.

You can also buy rice-based milk but according to Health Canada, rice-based beverages should not be used as a milk alternative for children who are under two years of age.