Arsenic in Rice: FDA Lacks Standards on Carcinogens in Food
Sep 22, 2012 12:50 AM EDT | By Juan Fernandez
There are currently no federal standards for arsenic in rice, rice-based products, and other foods. The R.I.C.E Act proposed by three members of Congress on Friday will require that a limit be set on amounts of arsenic found in rice and rice products.
"R.I.C.E Act" stands for Reducing food-based Inorganic and organic Compounds Exposure Act will require that the FDA set and enforce a maximum level of arsenic found in foods.
"The idea that high levels of arsenic, a known carcinogen, are present in rice, cereal, and other common, everyday foods is absolutely outrageous," said Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-Conn). "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. This is not the first time we have been alerted to the dangers of arsenic, and quite simply we must do more to ensure that our food supply is safe."
Like Us on Facebook
A Consumer Reports study has found alarming amounts of arsenic in 60 different rice products. The products range from rice to cereals, chips to milk. The findings showed that arsenic levels varied depending on the soil where the rice had been grown, with aggravated levels of arsenic in rice grown in Arkansas, Louisiana, Missouri, and Texas. Rice from California or imported from South-East Asian countries like Malaysia did not have the same levels, according to the study.
Further coverage on arsenic in rice can be found here:
Arsenic in Rice: Shocking Test Results Reveal High Arsenic Poisoning Risks
Rice and Arsenic: What is Arsenic Poisoning?
Arsenic in Brown Rice: Asians and Hispanic Affected More Than Average American
Arsenic in Rice Milk Causes Worry Among Parents of Small Children
Wrigley Pulls Caffeinated Gum off Market, FDA Express Concerns Relating to Children Consuming the Gum
Wrigley pulls caffeinated gum from shelves temporarily as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) investigates the safety of added caffeine, particularly its potential effects on children and young adults.
Dollar Menu Fails: Fast Food Giant Declines In Sales
McDonald’s struggles to keep up profits with Dollar Menu
Hospital Food Program Helps Woman Shed 55 Pounds
By eating certain hospital foods, one woman has managed to overcome her weight issue and surgery
Cupcake Craze Expands, Sprinkles Makes Cupcakes Gourmet
Cupcake Craze, a well-known shop in New York, stated that television shows such as Cupcake Wars have increased the company's sales. "The craze is definitely helping business. People love cupcakes. You give someone a cupcake and they smile", said owner Kevin Hughes.
Serious Food Allergies: NIAID Finding Cures
NIAID is the lead Institute at the National Institutes of Health for research of food allergies. According to the institute's official website, they are committed to supporting efforts to help better understand, prevent, and manage this disorder that affects approximately 5 percent of children and 4 percent of adults in the United States.
Wrigley Will Release Caffeinated Gum April
Beginning next month, Wrigley gum is going to begin selling caffeinated gum. The company is well known for selling mints, gum, lollipops, hard and chewy candies. A couple of world known Wrigley brands include: Orbit, Doublemint, Skittles, Starburst and Altoids.
