Since 1991, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has been measuring levels of arsenic, a chemical element that is linked to cancer, in foods.
About a year ago, the agency took a closer look at arsenic levels in rice and rice products.
The preliminary findings, based on a collection of 200 samples ranging from rice beverages to rice crackers, include data on micrograms per serving but don't actually tell Americans what we need to know: is arsenic in those concentrations really harmful to us?
FDA could soon answer that thorny question.
It anticipates fully collecting data on another 1,000 samples by the end of the year.
Shelly Burgess, a spokeswoman for the agency, said FDA plans to do a risk assessment next year that will discuss health effects and short-term risks associated with arsenic in rice.
The assessment could pave the way for government-imposed limits on arsenic concentrations in food products.
But for now, the government isn't sounding an alarm to place your rice patties in the dumpster.
"Our advice right now is that consumers should continue to eat a balanced diet that includes a wide variety of grains -- not only for good nutrition but also to minimize any potential consequences from consuming any one particular food," FDA Commissioner Margaret A. Hamburg said in a statement Thursday.
About a year ago, the agency took a closer look at arsenic levels in rice and rice products.
The preliminary findings, based on a collection of 200 samples ranging from rice beverages to rice crackers, include data on micrograms per serving but don't actually tell Americans what we need to know: is arsenic in those concentrations really harmful to us?
FDA could soon answer that thorny question.
It anticipates fully collecting data on another 1,000 samples by the end of the year.
Shelly Burgess, a spokeswoman for the agency, said FDA plans to do a risk assessment next year that will discuss health effects and short-term risks associated with arsenic in rice.
The assessment could pave the way for government-imposed limits on arsenic concentrations in food products.
But for now, the government isn't sounding an alarm to place your rice patties in the dumpster.
"Our advice right now is that consumers should continue to eat a balanced diet that includes a wide variety of grains -- not only for good nutrition but also to minimize any potential consequences from consuming any one particular food," FDA Commissioner Margaret A. Hamburg said in a statement Thursday.
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