Consumer Reports Investigation Finds Concerning Arsenic Levels Across All 52 Rice Products Tested
核心洞察
Consumer Reports tested 52 rice products and detected measurable inorganic arsenic (搜索), a known carcinogen, in every single sample.
More than 40% of tested products contained arsenic levels high enough that one serving per day could raise the risk of cancer and type 2 diabetes over time.
Brown rice generally contained more inorganic arsenic (搜索) than white rice, while basmati and sushi rice tended to have lower levels.
Consumer Reports has released findings from its latest food safety investigation revealing that all 52 rice products purchased from store shelves contained measurable levels of inorganic arsenic (搜索), a known carcinogen associated with serious health effects including skin cancer, bladder cancer, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.
The consumer advocacy organization sent the rice products to a specialized laboratory for testing. Inorganic arsenic (搜索) was detected in every single sample, though levels varied considerably across product types and brands.
More than 40 percent of the tested products had enough arsenic that eating just one serving a day, over time, could raise the risk of cancer and type 2 diabetes, according to the investigation.
Variation Across Rice Types
The testing revealed notable differences between rice varieties. Brown rice, in general, was found to contain more inorganic arsenic (搜索) than white rice of the same type. Basmati and sushi rice tended to have less arsenic than other varieties, offering consumers a potentially lower-risk option when choosing rice products.
Company Responses and Testing Practices
Consumer Reports sent inquiries to rice companies that had at least one product with inorganic arsenic (搜索) at 100 ppb or more and/or 0.5 mcg of lead in the tests, asking whether they take steps to minimize arsenic levels or test for heavy metals.
Lundberg (搜索), a California-based company, provided detailed responses. Four of the five Lundberg products tested were below 100 ppb. The fifth, Lundberg Organic Cilantro Lime Rice, was slightly over that threshold for inorganic arsenic (搜索) and also contained more than 0.5 mcg of lead. Consumer Reports determined that the inorganic arsenic and lead in this product came primarily from the spice mix.
"Our arsenic results are less than half the daily No Significant Risk Level (NSRL) established by California's Proposition 65, which is one of the strictest limits set by regulatory agencies," Lundberg (搜索) stated, noting that the NSRL is 10 micrograms of inorganic arsenic (搜索) per day. The company said it tests its rice for heavy metals annually as it comes in from the fields, using a third-party laboratory, and publishes the results.
Whole Foods Market said: "We have rigorous testing requirements for heavy metals in our 365 by Whole Foods Market rice products. All our products referenced in your testing fall below the safe harbor limits established under California's Proposition 65 — the most stringent warning regulation in the United States."
Walmart stated: "We are committed to providing safe, high-quality products, and work continuously with our suppliers to review and ensure standards are met."
Nishiki (搜索) said its rice is grown and milled in California, complies with California regulations, and that it tests its rice for heavy metals.
Several companies — including Ben's Original, BJ's, Carolina, Goya, Iberia, Mahatma, Near East, Rice-A-Roni, Roland, and Target — did not respond to Consumer Reports' request for comment.
Recommendations for Consumers
Consumer Reports offered several practical steps to reduce arsenic exposure. The organization recommends not overeating rice and using different sides from time to time, including quinoa and oats, which were found to be lower in arsenic. When choosing rice, consumers should consider lower-arsenic varieties such as basmati and sushi rice.
Cooking method also matters. Consumer Reports advises cooking rice in extra water for five minutes, then draining it and finishing it in fresh water — a technique that can significantly reduce arsenic levels.
Call for Regulatory Action
Because no level of arsenic is considered safe, Consumer Reports is asking the Food and Drug Administration to set arsenic limits on all rice products. The organization asked the FDA about its plans, but the agency did not respond.