Rice safe, Arkansas growers say [View all]

LITTLE ROCK — Arkansas rice growers defended their crop as an “important part of a healthy diet” after a national consumer magazine released a report Wednesday calling on federal regulators to set new limits on the amount of arsenic in rice and rice products.

“Rice is safe. It has been and it still is. The [Food and Drug Administration] released statements to that effect today,” said Ben Noble, executive director of the Arkansas Rice Federation.

Earlier in the day, Consumer Reports released a study showing that varying levels of arsenic were found in more than 200 samples of 60 rice products. The study called for new federal limits on arsenic in rice as well as apple and grape juice; a prohibition on giving animals any drugs or feed containing arsenic; and an end to the use of pesticides containing arsenic.

Noble said it’s premature to call for new regulations until the FDA completes its own sampling and risk assessment.

“That’s what we’re offering our assistance on is helping them collect the data they need to make that type of regulatory judgment,” he added.

http://www.arkansasonline.com/news/2012/sep/20/rice-safe-arkansas-growers-say-20120920/