Divine Aleru is an accomplished biochemist and researcher with a specialized background in environmental toxicology, focusing on the impacts of heavy metals on human health. With deep-rooted expertise in microbiome signatures analysis, Divine seamlessly blends rigorous scientific training with her passion for deciphering the intricate relationships between environmental exposures and the human microbiome. Her career is distinguished by a commitment to advancing integrative health interventions, leveraging cutting-edge microbiome research to illuminate how toxic metals shape biological systems. Driven by curiosity and innovation, Divine is dedicated to translating complex environmental findings into actionable insights that improve individual and public health outcomes. 
Divine Aleru is an accomplished biochemist and researcher with a specialized background in environmental toxicology, focusing on the impacts of heavy metals on human health. With deep-rooted expertise in microbiome signatures analysis, Divine seamlessly blends rigorous scientific training with her passion for deciphering the intricate relationships between environmental exposures and the human microbiome. Her career is distinguished by a commitment to advancing integrative health interventions, leveraging cutting-edge microbiome research to illuminate how toxic metals shape biological systems. Driven by curiosity and innovation, Divine is dedicated to translating complex environmental findings into actionable insights that improve individual and public health outcomes. What was issued?
The updated regulatory guidelines on arsenic in rice and rice-based products aim to limit consumer exposure to inorganic arsenic (iAs), a known carcinogen. Regulatory bodies such as the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the Codex Alimentarius have established new permissible levels for arsenic in rice and its derivatives. These guidelines focus on reducing risks related to chronic arsenic exposure, which can contribute to various health issues, including cancer, developmental toxicity, and cardiovascular diseases. The updated limits include specific arsenic concentration thresholds in rice and rice-based products such as rice flour, rice cakes, and infant cereals. This is particularly significant for regions where rice is a staple food, as it accounts for a major portion of arsenic intake from food.
Who is affected?
The primary populations affected by these regulations are consumers in areas where rice is a staple food, particularly children and pregnant women, who are more vulnerable to arsenic’s toxic effects. Populations in countries with high levels of arsenic contamination in water and rice, such as Bangladesh, India, and parts of the United States, are at greater risk. Infants and young children who consume rice-based products are at heightened risk, as they tend to consume more rice relative to their body weight compared to adults. This demographic, along with the general population in regions with high rice consumption, is directly impacted by the new arsenic safety guidelines. Food manufacturers, particularly those in the rice industry, are also key stakeholders, as they must comply with the updated arsenic standards in their products.
Most important findings
Recent studies and regulatory updates have highlighted the significant contribution of rice and rice-based products to arsenic exposure, especially in regions where arsenic contamination in water is common. The new guidelines set stricter limits for arsenic in rice products, with the European Union recommending a limit of 0.10 mg/kg for white rice and 0.25 mg/kg for rice-based foods intended for infants. The U.S. FDA has also set standards for rice-based cereals, with a limit of 100 ng/g for inorganic arsenic in infant foods. The Codex Alimentarius has recommended a limit of 0.2 mg/kg for inorganic arsenic in rice. These new standards are based on growing evidence of the health risks posed by long-term arsenic exposure, especially for young children who are more susceptible to its effects. Rice cakes, a popular snack for children, have also been identified as a significant source of arsenic, as they can contain higher arsenic levels compared to other rice-based products.
Key implications
The findings of this study have profound implications for both public health and the rice industry. For the food industry, particularly rice producers, these new regulations will require more rigorous testing and monitoring of arsenic levels in their products. Rice manufacturers must ensure that their products meet the newly established safety limits, which may involve sourcing rice from regions with lower arsenic contamination or investing in technologies to reduce arsenic concentrations in rice. Public health authorities will need to ensure that these regulations are properly enforced, particularly in regions where rice consumption is high and where arsenic contamination is prevalent. The regulations are a step forward in minimizing the health risks associated with arsenic exposure, but more work is needed to protect vulnerable populations. For food certification agencies, these findings will lead to the development of new food safety standards and better monitoring mechanisms for arsenic in rice and its derivatives.
Citation
Rajkowska-Myśliwiec, M., Ciemniak, A., & Karp, G. (2024). Arsenic in Rice and Rice-Based Products with Regard to Consumer Health. Foods, 13(19), 3153. https://doi.org/10.3390/foods13193153
Arsenic is a naturally occurring metalloid that ranks first on the ATSDR toxic substances list. Inorganic arsenic contaminates water, rice and consumer products, and exposure is linked to cardiovascular disease, cognitive deficits, low birth weight and cancer. HMTC’s stringent certification applies ALARA principles to protect vulnerable populations.
