The Story Behind Arsenic in Organic Brown Rice Products (Video)

Soooo...did you hear that some organic brown rice products contain arsenic? Yep, at least that's what a study says, and it's pretty frightening if you don't know all the details. Fortunately it seems we don't have much to worry about, and here's why:

The study that found arsenic in brown rice:

• Discovered surprisingly high levels of arsenic in rice-based organic toddler formula, energy bars and organic brown rice syrup in general -  six times the federal limit
• Some say it was done to encourage the FDA to set regulations for arsenic levels in food
• Currently there are noo requirements for testing arsenic levels in a wide range of food products grown in the U.S
• Many agree that the study made some incorrect comparisons that make the results misleading and confusing for consumers to understand

What is Arsenic?

• A naturally occurring toxic element that occurs naturally in soil and groundwater
• Some levels are present in all rice
• Commonly found in a wide range of fruits, vegetables, grains and seafood (especially chicken and fish)
• Also found in the air and drinking water.
• The average diet includes as much as 1,000 micrograms of ORGANIC arsenic per day
• Brown rice tends to have more arsenic than white rice, and levels vary based on where and when it is grown
• The majority of brown rice syrup is imported from Pakistan, where higher levels of naturally occurring arsenic are found in the water and soil

Arsenic Exposure Can Cause: 

• Thickening and discoloration of the skin
• Stomach pain
• Numbness in hands and feet
• Partial paralysis and blindness
• Increases the risk of bladder cancer and other cancers.
• Inorganic arsenic poses a health risk, whereas organic arsenic is not known to pose a health risk and is actually needed in low levels by the human body as noted here).
• Arsenic does not cause reproductive toxicity
• Organic arsenic is not recognized as a potential for risk
• No scientific studies that have linked U.S. rice consumption to adverse health effects. U.S. grown rice remains a safe, wholesome food for all consumers

What Can You Do To Protect Yourself?

• Ask companies to do 3rd party and FDA testing, plus self-regulate their products and ingredients
• When cooking brown rice, wash it well (soak in water before cooking if possible)
• Add extra water to the pot to help wash away the soluble arsenic
• People on gluten-free diets should try to diversify their grains (organic corn, quinoa, coconut, hemp seed, almond, sunflower seed and hazelnut products are just a few examples)

Sources:

• OEHHA
• NPR
• Growing Naturals
• USA Rice
• Lundberg