Risk assessors Rice and rice cakes contain too much arsenic

Rice contains important amino acids, vitamins and fiber. For health-conscious people, rice is an important part of a balanced diet. But now the Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) warns against eating too much of it. Research has shown that many rice products have elevated levels of arsenic.

Rice is considered a healthy food
Rice not only contains essential amino acids, vitamins and fiber, but due to its low sodium content, it is also suitable for dehydrating the body in cases of obesity or obesity and hypertension. For many people, healthy grains are a staple food for many people worldwide. And rice also gains importance in the domestic kitchen. But now the Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) warns consumers against eating rice in large quantities. This is because new measurements by provincial supervisory authorities showed that many rice products have elevated arsenic values.

Experts warn of arsenic in rice. (Image: Mara Zemgaliete / fotolia)

Inorganic arsenic compounds may cause cancer
According to the information, these are inorganic arsenic compounds which are considered to be extremely hazardous to health. BfR President Professor dr. Dr. Andreas Hensel said in a press release that inorganic arsenic compounds are classified as carcinogenic. In addition, even comparatively small amounts led to skin changes, vascular and nerve damage. In addition, inorganic arsenic promotes cardiovascular disease. "Food should contain as little as reasonably achievable," Hensel said.

Rice plants can absorb arsenic better
Although other crops come into contact with inorganic arsenic via soil and groundwater, rice crops are more susceptible to arsenic because of their specific method of cultivation and their nature. According to the BfR, the arsenic content is even higher compared to rice grains in products such as rice cakes, rice milk or rice porridge. Why this is so, could not be clarified so far. The BfR emphasized that food companies are in demand here in order to identify the causes and to look for ways to reduce the arsenic content to an "unavoidable minimum".

Consume rice products only in moderation
The BfR considers the measured arsenic levels to be questionable in view of the amount of rice consumed daily by the German population. Therefore, the Institute advises to consume rice and rice products only in moderation and often alternate with other cereal species. Especially infants and small children should not be fed rice porridge or rice milk too often. Pregnant women should also be aware, as older studies have shown that high levels of arsenic in fetuses pose a major health risk. As the BfR further stated, people who suffer from celiac disease (gluten allergy) and therefore rely on gluten-free rice can also find valuable alternatives to corn in corn, millet, buckwheat, amaranth and quinoa.

Arsenic is also used in medicine
Despite the warning, the BfR emphasized that rice is still part of a balanced diet and therefore should not be categorically banished from the diet. Arsenic was and is also used as a medicine. Although it can be fatal at a dose in the range of tens of milligrams, it has been used in the past for ailments such as fever. Today, arsenic is used, among other things, in the treatment of cancer. Light arsenic poisoning can lead to cramps, abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea and even kidney failure. (Ad)