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Arsenic Rice

Is that a thing?  I must have missed the memo.

I myself enjoy cheesy rice, buttered rice, herbed rice, creamy rice…

but arsenic rice?  Mmm, yum…

The FDA has analyzed 200 samples of Rice (domestic grown included) and found more inorganic arsenic in a single serving than what the EPA allows in a quart of drinking water.  The FDA has not released the brands that have been contaminated and has recommended that consumers not change their eating habits, however,  Consumer Reports took federal data and concluded that those who incorporate rice into their regular diet have arsenic levels that are 44% higher than those who don’t….eat it twice a day, and it could raise it to 70%.  I consume rice at least 2-3 times a day :(   I’m a huge advocate of Brown Rice but in this instance, because it retains the plants shell, it contains higher levels of arsenic.

One reader commented that in order to combat these “worrisome levels,” any consumer could rest easy by washing their rice several times.  Another source assures us that it’s a commonplace practice to lace feed with arsenic for livestock to produce manure that fertilizes crops such as rice.

It was a he said she said battle before (The US Rice Federation says these findings are “overblown”), but now the National Chicken Council feels under attack and strongly disputes any “insinuations” regarding arsenic-laced feed.

Arsenic is a known carcinogen and exposure to it can lead to lung, skin, and bladder cancer as well as heart disease.  Young children are especially susceptible to negative side effects from lowered IQ to impacting overall brain development and may contribute to behavioral problems.

I have a feeling my parents are not going to like this :/

Love & Apprehension,

Your Squishy Monster

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26 thoughts on “Arsenic Rice

  • nom says:

    Rice politics are so confusing! …
    I’m a cheesy butter guy …salt and herbs
    are also very nice.

    National Chicken Council… get away from my rice!

  • The Squishy Monster says:

    Rice is best eaten…lots butter – arsenic but rice politics suck! =D

  • Hannah (BitterSweet) says:

    I’ve been hearing about this for a while, and while it is a bit worrisome, it’s not going to stop me from eating something as wholesome as brown rice. There’s also a big different between organic and inorganic arsenic- This link is very helpful for a more reassuring picture of the situation: http://www.lundberg.com/Info/Arsenic/arsenicfaqs.aspx

  • Blond Duck says:

    So I’m not having rice for dinner…

  • The Squishy Monster says:

    I’m so unhappy about it

  • The Squishy Monster says:

    It was apple juice last year and now this–I realize there are “acceptable levels” of Arsenic in all sorts of food most, occurring naturally but across the board, it’s been recommended that small children should limit their consumption so if it’s something that I wouldn’t feel my babies, I think I’ll curb my intake for a least the time being (which is really unfortunate bc most of my diet comprises of rice)

  • yummychunklet says:

    Oh, my. And, I love rice, too.

  • Paul Anthony Prince says:

    This news is saddening and scary. And here we’ve been on a big rice kick lately. :/ Brown, long grain, wild, pilaf… love em all. Add some pepper and lots of butter; yumm!!

    In addition to thoroughly pre-rinsing your rice before cooking it I heard that using chelating herbs such as cilantro and garlic help to minimize the effects; citrus works too if I am not mistaken. Lemon- garlic cilantro rice anyone? ~.^

    Thanks for sharing Angie.

  • The Squishy Monster says:

    Thanks for the info, Paul! (I’m a HUGE fan of Cilantro)!!!

  • The Squishy Monster says:

    Studies are showing that Asian and Hispanic populations are being effected the most.

  • Choc Chip Uru says:

    And rice is such a staple… I never even realized!

    Cheers
    Choc Chip Uru

  • The Squishy Monster says:

    I can’t wait to have my very own garden..have you heard about these crazy chem trails? It’s insane. I bet it was yummy!!

  • The Squishy Monster says:

    I hope the mgmt clears that up soon!!! Is it something that’s in your place of residence too? :/

  • The Squishy Monster says:

    It’s always something, lol huh?

  • Veronica says:

    I have felt so betrayed by our FDA lately because things like this keep coming to my attention. I’m in the overwhelmed state where I haven’t made many changes, but I do keep making small ones in what I purchase. Do you think organic rice would be better than regular? Seems like it has to be, right? I too am a brown rice fan, so this news is upsetting. Well, it’s upsetting in any case. Anyway, this is the video that started it for me: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rixyrCNVVGA&feature=player_embedded

  • Zeeona @ Basil and Strawberry says:

    Wow, scary news! However, as we hear about stuff like this all the time, I tend to think it is better not to worry constantly about the food we eat. Maybe the stress caused by worrying does more damage than these food. Or not, I don’t know, but for me, it works better, if I just accept, that I can’t make my life 100% healthy. I try to do my best, making my diet balanced and rich in veggies and fruits, and the rest is out of my reach…

  • Paul Anthony Prince says:

    Me too, I was going to try and start one this past spring but never got around to testing the soil. My horticulture professor is adamant that we should test to see how healthy our soil is before tilling it up so that we can properly nourish it without adding harsh chemicals.

    I don’t think I recall about hearing of chem trails… but I’m betting it’s something I should be concerned about. It always seems if it’s not one thing, it’s another. >.<'

  • Cheap Ethnic Eatz (@cethniceatz) says:

    Never head of this before, so many things we consumme we know so little about.

  • Lester. says:

    How sad, frightening , and disgusting Angie. I heard this on the evening news and cris radio in Chicago.

    I heard washing rice, etc ( same as Paul wrote above) helps.

    What is really safe any more? Where is the arsenic coming from in the soil?
    We have heard some units in the condo I live in have toxic mold do to roof leaks. That stuff is unsafe to breathe. How sad frightening, angering, and shocking.My GOD!!!!!!!!!! Thank you Angie.

    Love.

    Les.

    U still will eat rice. not as much.It is affordable especially in these times.

  • Paul Anthony Prince says:

    You’re welcome^^ -and me too!! I want to grow some (among other tasty ingredients) in a herb garden where I could just pinch and use while cooking.

    A few years ago I experimented with a mild salsa using cilantro, lime and tomatillo as the base. It was not very appeasing on the eyes but the taste was good enough to over look it.

  • Suzie says:

    Though this is disturbing, if we changed our ways everytime an article came out we may not be eating anything but cardboard and bugs. Something is going to take me in the end anyways, so I’ll just keep eating how I am. Not that I eat a lot of rice but, I do like it. And cheesy please!

  • The Squishy Monster says:

    lol–love your spirit! I just wish companies would take care to protect the consumers, which is naïve to expect, I know, but I hope we gravitate more towards a world where food can be wholesome, once again.

  • The Squishy Monster says:

    Hate that it’s so.

  • The Squishy Monster says:

    I know nothing about gardening but that makes a lot of sense! And yes, it’s unfortunate but it IS always something else, huh? I think it helps to be aware as a consumer.

  • The Squishy Monster says:

    It’s most definitely scary and I’m not beyond admitting that many things can be attributed to scare tactics but I really do believe that it helps to be informed, especially when it regards the health of our families.

  • The Squishy Monster says:

    I’m no expert, but from what I gathered, organic grains seem to have become infected as well (as I hear that rice is excellent for pulling up things from the soil from even a century before)–many domestic fields that now grow rice were once cotton fields so it’s the remnants that are the culprit (or so I hear).

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