A recent report from Healthy Babies, Bright Futures highlights significant health risks associated with the consumption of rice, specifically brown rice, due to its high levels of inorganic arsenic. The study tested over 200 rice samples from popular grocery chains such as Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods, and Safeway, revealing that all rice varieties—including brown, white, basmati, sushi, and jasmine—contained varying levels of toxic arsenic. Notably, brown rice exhibited the highest average levels of this harmful substance.
One uncooked brand of brown rice purchased from Smart and Final had the alarmingly high concentration of 201 micrograms of inorganic arsenic per kilogram, far exceeding the EPA’s recommended safety limit of 0.06 micrograms per kilogram of body weight. The findings indicate that consuming just three tablespoons of uncooked brown rice weekly could elevate an individual’s risk of neurodevelopmental delays, cancer, and heart disease.
Despite the concerning results, the USA Rice Federation emphasized that while the presence of arsenic in food is alarming, they do not view this as a public health crisis. They noted that cooking rice in water can significantly reduce arsenic levels—by up to 66 percent—if the water is drained off after boiling.
Additional tests revealed that many rice alternatives, such as quinoa and farro, had much lower levels of heavy metals—69 percent less on average compared to rice. Researchers suggest that incorporating these alternatives could be a safer dietary choice, although they often come with a higher price tag.
In light of these findings, the study encourages consumers to consider cooking methods that minimize arsenic intake, such as using six to ten cups of water per cup of rice during cooking. Including low-arsenic rice options—like California-grown, Thai jasmine, and Indian basmati rice—could also help mitigate risks.
The report serves as a reminder of the importance of food safety and awareness regarding hazardous substances in our diets. As people continue to seek healthier lifestyles, understanding the implications of what we eat becomes ever more critical.