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Bill would set limits for arsenic in rice

Three House Democrats have introduced a bill to limit the amount of arsenic allowed in rice and rice based products. The lawmakers base their proposed legislation on a recent investigation by Consumer Reports, which is the publication of the non-profit Consumers Union.

Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro of Connecticut says the researchers found “alarmingly high levels of arsenic” in those rice products and “the federal government has an obligation to every American family to ensure that the food they consume is safe and should not make them sick.” There are currently no federal standards for arsenic in foods but they exist for drinking water. There are no reports of illness directly linked to rice consumption.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration says it has been and will continue to investigate arsenic – both naturally occurring and inorganic – in rice products but they do not recommend consumers stop eating it – adding that rice is an important, nutritious staple of the diet. FDA’s Deputy Commissioner for Foods, Michael Taylor, says they are looking at the potential long-term implications of arsenic levels in rice and other foods and drinks, which vary greatly, and any regulations must be solidly science-based.

DeLauro, along with Rep. Frank Pallone (D-New Jersey) and Rep. Nita Lowey (D-New York) are cosponsors of the RICE Act and also sponsors of the Apple Juice Act, introduced earlier this year that would require the FDA to set standards for arsenic and lead in fruit juices.

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