The recent discovery of arsenic in various rice products, such as brown rice, rice milk, and other rice-based foods raised serious concerns among consumers and raised the question of when the legislation will intervene and set a limit for arsenic levels in rice. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) however will most likely not do so before the end of the year 2012.
Currently, the FDA analyzes 1,000 more samples of rice and rice products in order to determine whether or not limits should be set for the level of arsenic contained. Their study might take another three months before a definite answer will be released.
Congress members introduced a bill called "the R.I.C.E Act" which stands for Reducing food-based Inorganic and organic Compounds Exposure Act. It would require the FDA to set a maximum level of arsenic that rice or rice containing foods may contain.
Exposure to high levels of arsenic may raise risk for cancer and heart disease, as well as lower IQs and poorer intellectual function for children. It's even more dangerous for newborns and babies, as it can affect brain development.
