DeLauro, Pallone, Lowey Introduce Legislation to Limit Arsenic in Rice

New Consumer Reports Study Highlights Need for FederalAction

WASHINGTON, DC—Representatives Rosa DeLauro (D-CT), FrankPallone (D-NJ) and Nita Lowey (D-NY) announced they will introduce legislationtoday to limit the amount of arsenic permitted in rice and rice-basedproducts. A recentConsumer Reports investigation revealed alarmingly high levels of arsenicin rice and rice-based products, such as cereal. There are currently nofederal standards for arsenic in most foods, including rice and rice-basedproducts.

"The idea that high levels of arsenic, a known carcinogen,are present in rice, cereal and other common, everyday foods is absolutelyoutrageous," DeLauro said. "The federal government has anobligation to every American family to ensure that the food they consume issafe and should not make them sick. This is not the first time we have beenalerted to the dangers of arsenic, and quite simply we must do more to ensurethat our food supply is safe. This bill is a step in that direction."

"The recent Consumer Reports investigation finding ofmeasurable amounts of arsenic in a range of rice products is cause for concern forconsumers, and parents in particular," said Pallone. "The healthrisks associated with inorganic arsenic as a carcinogen are widely known andthere absolutely should be a federal arsenic standard for rice products similarto those for bottled water."

"Ensuring the safety of our food supply is among the mostimportant responsibilities of the federal government," said Lowey. "It is inexcusable that no standards exist to keep arsenic, a known carcinogen,out of rice and rice-based products like cereal. This legislation willhelp protect families from this unacceptable risk."

Ami Gadhia, senior policy counsel for ConsumersUnion, the policy division of Consumer Reports, said, "This bill would helpensure that we have standards in place to reduce arsenic in rice and riceproducts. Based on our findings, we strongly believe that the governmentneeds to set these limits. We commend the sponsors of this legislationfor standing up to help consumers."

The R.I.C.E Act (Reducing food-based Inorganic and organicCompounds Exposure Act) requires the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) toset a maximum permissible level of arsenic in rice and food containingrice. FDA currently has standards for bottled water, but nothing else.

The Consumer Reports investigation found arsenic in morethan 200 samples of rice and rice-based products. Arsenic is known tocontribute to the likelihood of developing multiple cancers and other serioushealth problems.

In February, Pallone was joined by DeLauro and Lowey in introducingthe Arsenic Prevention and Protection from Lead Exposure in Juice Act of 2012or "APPLE Juice Act" which would require the FDA to establish standards forarsenic and lead in fruit juices after a separate investigation revealedalarmingly high levels of arsenic and lead in apple and grape juice in NewJersey, New York and Connecticut.