An update on arsenic in rice, impact on dietary arsenic intakes and U.S. Department of Agriculture efforts at mitigation

Dietary arsenic from rice came to the attention of the public in 2012 following the release of analyses by Consumer Reports and Dr. Ozshowing levels of concern. Subsequently the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) conducted their own analyses as well as a risk analysis for consumption of arsenic‐containing rice and rice foods (unreleased). Potentially high inorganic arsenic (iAs) levels previously have been reported in drinking water and apple juice. To understand the impact that rice consumption has on arsenic intake relative to other sources, an analysis was conducted using NHANES consumption data and USFDA data from analyses of arsenic in rice. These data show that water intake and arsenic levels in water are the primary determinants of iAs intake; however rice can be a significant source, especially among consumers of brown rice in areas where arsenic levels in wate rare low. The U.S. Department of Agriculture is committed to maintaining a safe and nutritious food supply and has put efforts into mitigating these problems. Agricultural Research Service projects include development of varieties of rice that take up less arsenic, agronomic techniques such as water management that reduce arsenic accumulation and methods of analysis that are quicker and cheaper and allow identification of arsenic content of harvested rice before mixing at grain elevators. Support or Funding Information This work was conducted by the U.S> Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service