Inorganic arsenic levels in baby rice are of concern.
Inorganic arsenic is a chronic exposure carcinogen. Analysis of UK baby rice revealed a median inorganic arsenic content (n=17) of 0.11 mg/kg. By plotting inorganic arsenic against total arsenic, it was found that inorganic concentrations increased linearly up to 0.25 mg/kg total arsenic, then plateaued at 0.16 mg/kg at higher total arsenic concentrations. Inorganic arsenic intake by babies (4-12 months) was considered with respect to current dietary ingestion regulations. It was found that 35% of the baby rice samples analysed would be illegal for sale in China which has regulatory limit of 0.15 mg/kg inorganic arsenic. EU and US food regulations on arsenic are non-existent. When baby inorganic arsenic intake from rice was considered, median consumption (expressed as microg/kg/d) was higher than drinking water maximum exposures predicted for adults in these regions when water intake was expressed on a bodyweight basis.
Meharg
Andrew A
AA
School of Biological Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Cruickshank Building, St. Machar Drive, Aberdeen AB24 3UU, UK. a.meharg@abdn.ac.uk
Sun
Guoxin
G
Williams
Paul N
PN
Adomako
Eureka
E
Deacon
Claire
C
Zhu
Yong-Guan
YG
Feldmann
Joerg
J
Raab
Andrea
A
D001151:Arsenic / Q000032:analysis*; D002273:Carcinogens / Q000032:analysis*; D005591:Chemical Fractionation; D002681:China; D002851:Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; D005506:Food Contamination / Q000032:analysis* / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007225:Infant Food / Q000032:analysis* / Q000592:standards; D008452:Maximum Allowable Concentration; D012275:Oryza / Q000737:chemistry*; D013057:Spectrum Analysis; D006113:United Kingdom
D002273:Carcinogens; D001151:Arsenic