Arsenic in rice

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MunichThe satirizer rice has a lot to offer: It provides energy, vitamins, minerals - and is extremely well tolerated. Current analysis results, however, scratch its good reputation: it contains plenty of arsenic. This is highly toxic in larger quantities - and carcinogenic in smaller quantities.

This is the result of the surveillance authorities of the German federal states. In addition to pure rice, they also tested rice-based products such as rice cakes, porridge or milk. In contrast to other types of grain, they found a relatively high content (up to 0.2 milligrams per kilogram) of arsenic in all products. Depending on the eating habits, rice and rice products can therefore make a significant contribution to the total intake of arsenic, warns the Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR). Then the poison can accumulate in the body.

Especially a lot of arsenic in rice cakes

Most of the arsenic is stored in the outer layers of the rice grain - so brown rice usually contains more arsenic than white, i.e. peeled, rice. This was also confirmed by the measurements by the monitoring authorities. The agency also found that rice cakes and rice flakes also contain higher levels of arsenic than white rice. However, there is still no explanation for this. "The reasons for the higher levels in certain rice products compared to rice grains must be clarified", demands the President of the BfR Andreas Hensel.

Can you still eat rice?

The BfR experts believe that the measured arsenic levels in rice and rice products will cause immediate health impairment for all population groups in Germany (infants, children, adults and the elderly, including frequent and extreme consumers), but they do not rule out an increased risk of cancer.

Nevertheless, they recommend not to completely forego the nutrient-rich rice. When choosing food, the institute advises consumers to take into account the general recommendation for a varied and diverse diet and to vary the types of grain consumed as far as possible. This recommendation also applies to people with gluten intolerance who can tolerate only a few types of grain. The BfR advises them to increasingly include alternatives such as maize, millet, buckwheat, amaranth or quinoa in the menu.

Particularly questionable for children

In the opinion of the BfR, however, products such as rice cakes or rice flakes for congee should only be consumed in moderation. The experts advise parents in particular not to feed their infants and toddlers predominantly on rice-based products.

For all those who cook their own rice, the BfR has another tip: You can reduce the arsenic content a little by washing the rice well, boiling the rice in water like pasta and pouring off the excess cooking water.

Statutory maximum content required

"Food should contain as little as possible of the carcinogenic arsenic compounds," emphasizes Hensel. This is why the BfR advocates a future reduction in arsenic levels - especially in products for infants, toddlers and children. This goal is not only pursued by the BfR, but also by the European Union. The introduction of maximum levels for arsenic in rice and rice products is already planned for 2016.

A semi-metal of the earth's crust

The semi-metal arsenic is a natural component of the earth's crust. A distinction is made between two forms: The organic arsenic compounds, which are primarily found in fish and are largely considered to be harmless to health. And the inorganic arsenic compounds, which are classified as highly toxic and carcinogenic - these are contained in rice. It is released through natural weathering, but also through the use of fossil fuels, and finds its way into the soil, groundwater and surface water. Plants absorb arsenic through their roots. However, due to its physiology and the cultivation method (wet cultivation), rice absorbs a particularly large amount of the semi-metal. How much arsenic the rice actually contains depends heavily on the area in which it is grown.

Sources:

Press releases from the Federal Institute for Risk Assessment dated June 11, 2015

Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, www.bfr.bund.de, accessed on June 15, 2015

Bavarian State Office for Health and Food Safety, www.lgl.bayern.de, accessed on June 16, 2015

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