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Business Standard
02-07-2025
- Health
- Business Standard
US rice contains most arsenic, Indian basmati among safest, finds study
Rice sold in the United States has been found to contain some of the highest levels of inorganic arsenic — a toxic heavy metal linked to cancer and developmental issues, according to a recent report by Healthy Babies Bright Futures, a nonprofit dedicated to reducing children's exposure to harmful chemicals. By contrast, rice varieties imported from India and Thailand, including Indian basmati and Thai jasmine rice, were among those with the lowest arsenic levels. The findings of the report, titled 'What's in your family's rice?', are particularly worrying for populations most vulnerable to the toxic effects of arsenic: pregnant women, young children, and people who consume rice frequently, said Margaret Karagas, a professor of epidemiology at Dartmouth's Geisel School of Medicine. However, she noted that there are practical ways to reduce arsenic exposure from rice, according to a report by The New York Times. What the test on rice varieties revealed Researchers behind the report tested 145 rice products purchased through Amazon and retail chains like Trader Joe's, Safeway, Costco, and Target. The samples included rice grown in the US as well as imports from various countries. They also tested other grains such as quinoa, farro, couscous, and spelt for comparison. All rice samples contained inorganic arsenic — the most toxic form of the metal. Shockingly, around one-third of these samples surpassed the FDA's safety limit for arsenic in infant rice cereals. On average, the arsenic levels in rice were 28 times higher than those found in the other grains tested. Brown rice was found to contain more arsenic than white rice due to its outer layers — the bran and germ — where the metal tends to accumulate. Among the rice varieties tested, arborio rice from Italy and white and brown rice from the southeastern US showed the highest concentrations of arsenic. However, the lowest levels were found in white rice from California, jasmine rice from Thailand, and basmati rice from India. Why arsenic levels vary by region and type The variations in arsenic content stem from environmental factors. 'It's mainly because of the amount of arsenic in the soil and water,' said Felicia Wu, professor of food safety and risk assessment at Michigan State University, US. Rice plants are particularly susceptible to absorbing arsenic due to their growth in water-flooded paddies, she added, as quoted by The New York Times. Brown rice generally contains more arsenic because its outer layers remain intact after harvesting. This contrasts with white rice, which has those layers removed. Health implications: Who is most at risk? 'There is no known safe level of arsenic exposure,' said Karagas of Dartmouth's Geisel School of Medicine. The most serious risks are for fetuses and young children, as arsenic can hinder growth and cognitive development. Infants and toddlers often consume rice cereals and snacks in significant quantities, making them especially vulnerable. Adults aren't immune either. Long-term, low-level exposure can increase the risk of heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, and various cancers. 'We know there are health effects, but we still lack enough data to define a safe consumption level,' said Dojin Ryu, a professor of food toxicology at the University of Missouri, as quoted by The New York Times. Ways to minimise arsenic exposure from rice While arsenic is naturally present in the environment — including soil, air, and water — there are steps individuals can take to reduce their exposure: Switch grains: Substitute rice with grains like oats, millet, barley, or quinoa, especially in baby foods. Cook it differently: Cooking rice in excess water — like pasta — and then draining it can reduce arsenic levels by up to 60 per cent, according to the FDA. Test water sources: If you rely on a private well, have it tested for arsenic. Consider installing a reverse osmosis filtration system if levels are high.
Time of India
07-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Eating brown rice can do more harm than good, even raise cancer risk, here's why
For decades, we have believed that is healthier than white. But is that really true? Brown rice has long been hailed for having more nutrients and fiber and a lower glycemic index compared to its white variety. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now However, a new study suggests that the brown rice might be doing more harm than good. A new study by Michigan State University suggests that eating brown rice increases exposure to arsenic, a toxic chemical element, when compared to white rice. The study published in the journal , found that brown rice contains higher levels of arsenic, particularly inorganic arsenic, which is more harmful to human health. The study found that brown rice contains higher levels of arsenic content and inorganic arsenic concentration than white rice among American populations. Though it poses no major health risks for the general American public, there are potential health concerns for infants and children under age 5, as they consume more food relative to their body weights than adults. 'This research is important because it acknowledges the importance of considering food safety along with nutrition when consumers make choices about food. While we found that choosing brown rice over white rice would result in higher arsenic exposure on average, the levels should not cause long-term health problems unless someone ate an enormous amount of brown rice every day for years,' senior investigator of the study Felicia Wu, John A. Hannah, and Professor at MSU's College of Agriculture and Natural Resources said. What is arsenic, and how does it affect rice? Arsenic is a natural component found in the earth's crust, which is highly toxic. When compared to other cereal grains, rice has significantly higher contents of arsenic. Rice has nearly 10 times more arsenic content compared to other grains. This is because rice is often grown in continually flooded paddies, and wet soil, conditions that favor arsenic being taken up from the soil into the plants. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Though the nutritional benefits of brown rice are real, the answer to whether it is healthier is not as simple as you might have thought, as it ignores a potential food safety concern. Chronic exposure to arsenic over a lifetime may increase cancer risk. Is brown rice healthy? Wu, along with postdoctoral research associate and lead author Christian Scott, both in the Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, compared the arsenic exposure and associated risks between brown and white rice for US populations. They used national dietary data from the US Environmental Protection Agency and the Joint Institute for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition to analyze arsenic intake through rice consumption. The researchers also evaluated how levels differed by region, where and what populations may be at increased health risk. Signs that all is not well with your liver The researchers found that in rice grown in the United States, the concentration of inorganic arsenic in white rice was 33%, and in brown rice was 48%. Whereas in rice grown globally, 53% of the total arsenic in white rice was inorganic, 65% of the total was inorganic. Organic arsenic, more commonly found in seafood as well as in other foods, is less toxic because it is readily excreted from the body. They also found that some populations are more vulnerable due to elevated rice consumption or susceptibility to arsenic exposure. This includes young children, Asian immigrant populations, and populations that face food insecurity. The values researchers found indicate a potential harmful risk of arsenic exposure from brown rice for children under age 5 and as young as 6 months. So, should you ditch brown rice? The results of the study should not be interpreted as evidence that is unhealthy or that you should now consume only white rice, Wu said. Brown rice does contain important ingredients such as fiber, protein ,and niacin, which all benefit consumers. 'This exposure assessment is only one side of the equation when examining the potential trade-offs between brown and white rice consumption. Even if arsenic levels are slightly higher in brown rice than white rice, more research is needed to demonstrate if the potential risks from this exposure are mitigated in part by the potential nutritional benefits provided by the rice bran,' Wu said. As chronic exposure to arsenic over a lifetime may increase cancer risk, its concentration in brown rice has certainly raised several concerns. The study encourages policymakers and consumers to weigh both safety and nutrition. It is important for all consumers to be aware of arsenic levels in their food and understand that brown rice is a major source.
Fox News
15-04-2025
- Health
- Fox News
Brown rice far worse than white rice when it comes to toxins, study finds
While white rice is still the most popular among consumers, brown rice is often praised for its nutritional benefits. A new study, however, raises concerns about brown rice containing a higher level of arsenic than white rice. The study was led by Michigan State University and published in the journal Risk Analysis. Rice traditionally has its inedible outer hull removed. Brown rice gets its color from the bran and germ layer of rice, according to Healthline. White rice is the same grain with the hull, bran layer and cereal germ removed — leaving only the soft, white interior. The bran layer and cereal germ are what make brown rice nutritionally superior to white rice, because these layers are rich in fiber, vitamins and minerals. Researchers conducted an extensive literature review on the nutritional aspects of brown and white rice, focusing on the level of arsenic exposure for each. They drew from the "What We Eat in America" database — from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Joint Institute of Food Science and Applied Nutrition — to determine how much rice the average American consumes, according to a news release. Researchers found the rice bran that comprises the tan layer of brown rice has a much higher concentration of inorganic arsenic than the white part of the rice. "Rice bran and brown rice are shown to have a higher arsenic content and inorganic arsenic concentration than the grain endosperm of white rice," researchers wrote in the study. Their analysis revealed that with rice grown in the U.S., the proportion of the more toxic, inorganic arsenic in brown rice was 48%, compared to 33% in white rice. Sherry Coleman Collins, a food allergy dietitian and expert from the Atlanta metropolitan area, was not involved in the study but said it highlights the importance of eating a diverse diet. "Eating a variety of foods is essential to reducing exposure to potentially harmful substances." "We know that arsenic and other naturally occurring toxins and man-contributed pollutants are in the soil and that these can and do make their way into our food supply," she told Fox News Digital in an interview. "For this reason, eating a variety of foods — with adequate amounts of macronutrients, vitamins, minerals and fiber — is essential to reducing exposure to potentially harmful substances." "This research is important because it acknowledges the importance of considering food safety along with nutrition when consumers make choices about food," said senior study author Felicia Wu, John A. Hannah Distinguished Professor and University Distinguished Professor at MSU's College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, in the press release. There are several forms of arsenic in rice, both organic and inorganic. Inorganic arsenic is a known human carcinogen, meaning it can cause cancer, researchers noted. Arsenic is a natural component of the earth's crust, according to the World Health Organization, and is widely distributed throughout the environment in the air, water and land. "It is highly toxic in its inorganic form," the site says. Rice, which is very porous, can absorb a lot of inorganic arsenic from the flooded fields in which it grows, dietitian Devon Wagner wrote on Ohio State University's Health & Discovery page. "Rice can soak up more arsenic than any other food crop," Wagner stated. When the brown rice soaks up this inorganic arsenic, it becomes highly concentrated in that tan layer — which means that those consuming it may have higher exposure to the carcinogen. Children under age 5 consume the most rice per unit of body weight, according to the study. Children ages 6 to 24 months consume a higher level of brown rice, which could lead to a heightened exposure to arsenic, per the study. "These elevated consumptive levels are additionally concerning, because rice consumption statistics often underestimate consumption by the very young," the researchers warned. The daily intake of inorganic arsenic among young children even exceeds previously considered safe levels, according to this research. Adults don't face this same high risk, researchers said, as they are not as affected by the differences in arsenic exposure, especially those who are ages 60 and over. For more Lifestyle articles, visit Collins confirmed that children are at higher risk, as their smaller size makes it more likely that the small amounts of arsenic would be acutely dangerous. "There are a lot of infant and toddler foods that include brown rice, including cereals, puffs and puréed vegetables that are mixed with brown rice," she told Fox News Digital. "Theoretically and based on this data, those foods may expose babies and young children to higher levels of arsenic — however, the FDA does have guidance for manufacturers requiring them to maintain inorganic arsenic at or below 100 μg/kg or 100 ppb." Diversifying the diet of babies and people of all ages can be protective, she added. "The concentrated amount of inorganic arsenic found within the rice bran in analysis challenges a common narrative of rice bran as a health product 'superfood' because of its increased nutrients and high fiber," the researchers stated. The findings, however, should not be regarded as evidence that brown rice is unhealthy — nor should people stop consuming it, according to Wu. The study emphasized the importance of considering food safety concerns while balancing the nutritional benefits. Those wondering whether to change their rice consumption should consult a health professional to understand the costs and benefits of switching. "I tend to encourage people to choose whole grains, but it's completely OK to also enjoy white rice." "We concluded with a discussion of the need for more research into the potential trade-offs and relative arsenic exposure risks associated with brown versus white rice," the researchers concluded. Collins agreed that people should continue to eat brown rice for the health benefits — including fiber, magnesium and B vitamins — but should also eat quinoa, farro, buckwheat, barley and other grains. "White rice is not a bad choice either, and it has lower levels of arsenic," she noted. "I tend to encourage people to choose whole grains (white rice has had the bran and germ removed, meaning it has less fiber and lower levels of vitamins and minerals), but it's completely OK to also enjoy white rice." Fox News Digital reached out to several rice manufacturers requesting comment.
New York Times
19-02-2025
- Health
- New York Times
Are Runny Egg Yolks Safe to Eat?
Sunny side-up, over easy, lightly scrambled, soft-boiled, poached: Americans love eating eggs when they're still runny, despite the general understanding that raw or undercooked eggs aren't good for you. When you cook an egg, the heat that solidifies its whites and yolks kills pathogens like salmonella and bird flu. That's why food safety officials recommend cooking eggs until both parts are firm. But how unsafe are runny yolks really? That depends on how much risk you're willing to accept, said Felicia Wu, a professor of food safety, toxicology and risk assessment at Michigan State University. 'If you look at the eggs typically purchased in the United States, most of them are perfectly safe to eat in a runny state,' she said. 'It's just that we don't know when there's an individual egg that contains some risk.' Salmonella is a real concern. Eggs can carry harmful bacteria, including E. coli and campylobacter. But salmonella — the leading cause of food poisoning-related deaths nationwide — is by far the biggest hazard, said Dr. John Leong, a professor of molecular biology and microbiology at Tufts University. Recent data on salmonella-infected eggs is hard to find. One widely cited study from 2000 suggested that one in every 20,000 eggs carries the bacteria. This might not sound like a lot, but given how many eggs Americans eat — about 250 per person on average in 2023 — that risk can add up. Salmonella can cause fevers, stomach cramping, diarrhea, vomiting and in rare cases, lingering joint pain. And while most recover on their own or with antibiotics, around 26,500 people with salmonella are hospitalized and about 420 die of their infections each year. Salmonella is especially dangerous for older people, young children and those who are pregnant or immunocompromised. Public health officials are growing more concerned about antibiotic-resistant salmonella strains, Dr. Leong said. It's hard to determine the exact likelihood that a given egg would carry salmonella, because not every egg that ends up on your plate gets tested for the bacteria, said Julie Garden-Robinson, a professor and food and nutrition expert at North Dakota State University. Hens lay eggs and pass feces through a single opening, which can leave bacteria on eggshells. The federal government requires most sellers with 3,000 or more laying hens to sanitize the outside of eggs before they're sold. This lowers — but doesn't completely eliminate — the risk of salmonella ending up on an eggshell. Smaller farms and those that sell their eggs directly to consumers don't have to follow the federal washing rules, although they might follow state and local requirements. But even sanitized eggs may carry salmonella since the bacteria can also get into the egg yolk and white, Dr. Garden-Robinson said. There isn't data to show whether most egg-related salmonella infections come from bacteria inside the egg or on its surface, Dr. Wu said. Bird flu is less of a concern. Although the recent bird flu outbreak is killing millions of hens and sending egg prices surging, experts say the evidence currently suggests that the virus is unlikely to end up in an egg you're eating. That's mainly because infected hens die of bird flu before they can lay eggs, said Dr. John Swartzberg, an emeritus professor of infectious diseases and vaccinology at the University of California, Berkeley. If the virus did make its way to your egg carton, though, cooking the egg until the whites and yolks are both firm would kill it. There are ways to lower your risk. If you love runny yolks too much to give them up for good, it might be OK to enjoy them occasionally, depending on your health and your own risk tolerance. 'You obviously will not get sick every time you eat an undercooked egg,' Dr. Garden-Robinson said. And you don't have to cook yolks until they're so hard they crumble to reduce your salmonella risk. Jammy or slightly set yolks with a custard-like texture are less risky than runny yolks, said Dr. Indu Upadhyaya, a food safety expert at the University of Connecticut. To further protect yourself, experts shared several other recommendations:
