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US rice study sparks arsenic fear Study raises rice arsenic concern
(about 5 hours later)
Scientists at Aberdeen University are warning that high levels of arsenic have been found in some American rice, BBC Scotland has learned. Scientists at Aberdeen University have warned that high levels of arsenic have been found in some US rice.
The researchers found high levels of the chemical in some rice bought in US supermarkets. The researchers said they found high levels of the chemical in some rice bought in US supermarkets.
They are concerned that people who eat rice grown in certain parts of the US two or three times a day face an increased risk of cancer. They voiced concern that people who eat a lot of rice from some parts of the US may face an increased cancer risk.
But the US rice industry said there had been no evidence of health problems. The US rice industry said there was no evidence of health problems and the UK Food Standards Agency said it was carrying out its own assessment.
The rice highlighted by the Aberdeen researchers comes from southern central states like Arkansas, Louisiana and Mississippi - where the bulk of American rice is grown. Were the rice in question harmful to consumers in any way, we surely would long ago have seen the evidence for it USA Rice Federation spokesman
The rice highlighted by the Aberdeen researchers comes from southern central states such as Arkansas, Louisiana and Mississippi - where much US rice is grown.
They said the rice was popular with people in African and Asian communities across Britain.They said the rice was popular with people in African and Asian communities across Britain.
However, the USA Rice Federation criticised the research, saying the rice had been grown in the US for hundreds of years without any problems.However, the USA Rice Federation criticised the research, saying the rice had been grown in the US for hundreds of years without any problems.
Study ongoing
A spokesman said: "I've spoken with about a half dozen university-level experts who tell me that there is insufficient evidence from which to draw conclusions like those offered by the paper in question.
"US rice is a safe and wholesome product. Were the rice in question harmful to consumers in any way, we surely would long ago have seen the evidence for it.
"One would think that given the hundreds of years of US rice production and consumption there's been enough time for the evidence to accumulate."
He added: "Arsenic is a ubiquitous element found in all soils worldwide and in all foods."
The Food Standards Agency told BBC Scotland it was aware of the research.
A spokeswoman said: "The FSA has a study under way looking at the amount and type of arsenic that occurs in rice and how this might be affected by cooking.
"This will allow us to carry out a more accurate risk assessment."