(Scypre.com) – A recent study by Healthy Babies Bright Futures (HBBF) has uncovered the presence of toxic heavy metals in popular rice brands sold across the United States. The study found arsenic in 100% of the 145 rice samples tested, with cadmium, lead, and mercury also detected in varying amounts.
Widespread Contamination: All rice samples contained arsenic; cadmium was present in all but one sample.
Exceeding Safety Limits: One in four samples surpassed the FDA’s arsenic limit for infant rice cereal (100 ppb).
Brown Rice Concerns: Brown rice, especially from the southeastern U.S., showed higher heavy metal levels than white rice.
Safer Alternatives: California-grown rice, Thai jasmine, and Indian basmati rice had lower levels of heavy metals.
Long-term exposure to these metals can lead to serious health issues:
Arsenic: Linked to cancer and skin lesions.
Cadmium: Associated with kidney damage and bone loss.
Lead: Can cause cognitive and developmental delays in children.
Mercury: May result in nervous system disorders.
Michael Klein, spokesperson for the USA Rice Federation, acknowledged the presence of arsenic in rice, stating, “Arsenic is found in virtually everything that grows in the ground.” He emphasized that American-grown rice contains the lowest levels of inorganic arsenic globally and that the industry is committed to working with the FDA to ensure safety standards are met.
To reduce exposure to heavy metals in rice:
Choose Wisely: Opt for rice varieties with lower contamination levels, such as California-grown, Thai jasmine, or Indian basmati rice.
Cooking Methods: Rinse rice thoroughly and cook it in excess water, draining the surplus, to lower arsenic content.
Diversify Grains: Incorporate alternative grains like quinoa, couscous, or barley, which have significantly lower heavy metal contamination.
The findings underscore the need for increased awareness and regulatory measures to ensure the safety of staple foods like rice. Consumers are encouraged to stay informed and take proactive steps to minimize potential health risks associated with dietary exposure to heavy metals.