On 19 September 2012, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released the preliminary results of their study looking at arsenic in rice.

The FDA web page “Questions & Answers: FDA’s Analysis of Arsenic in Rice and Rice Products”, states that:

Based on the available data and scientific literature the FDA is not recommending changes by consumers regarding their consumption of rice and rice products. 

And…

Rice is an important and nutritious staple for many people. We believe it would be premature for the FDA to recommend modifying your or your child’s diet because of concerns about arsenic levels. 

The FDA is a world renowned regulatory body that undertakes responsible research in the interests of promoting and protecting people’s health. Their research into arsenic in rice is focusing on rice and rice consumption in the United States, but their Q&A provide useful general information about rice and arsenic too.

Most rice (around 90%) is produced and consumed in Asia, where it has been the primary staple for thousands of years and remains a valuable part of a healthy and nutritious diet. Rice consumption per person is very high in Asia with many people eating it two to three times a day.

Food safety and the health of rice consumers are very important issues for IRRI. Our assessment of current research indicates that there is no evidence to show that people should stop eating rice grown in Asia because of concerns about arsenic.

There are some very specific areas in Bangladesh that have high arsenic levels in ground water that is used for rice production. Our partners at the Bangladesh Rice Research Institute are investigating this to help reduce the arsenic levels in rice grown at these locations and to help farmers adopt crop management strategies that can reduce arsenic uptake.