Arsenic in Rice

Just watching TV and an article came on about arsenic in rice. Thought that any parronts and parents would be interested to read this?

Because arsenic can be found in soil and water, small amounts can get into food, but generally these levels are too low to cause significant concern. Rice however, has around 10 — 20 times more arsenic than other cereal crops. This is because it is grown in flooded conditions which make it much easier for arsenic to leave the soil and enter the rice.

One point of interest is -

Brown rice usually contains more arsenic than white rice (because of the husk)

The advised revised cooking instructions are

1. Soak your rice overnight — this opens up the grain and allows the arsenic to escape
2. Drain the rice and rinse thoroughly with fresh water
3. For every part rice add five parts water and cook until the rice is tender — do not allow it to boil dry.
4. Drain the rice and rinse again with hot water to get rid of the last of the cooking water.
5. Serve your reduced-arsenic rice — it’s as simple as that!

If you cook until all the water is absorbed on the stove top or in a rice cooker the arsenic is released into the water and then re-absorbed by the rice.

Now being sensible for us and not eating rice too often is OK but unfortunately they do not give safe parrot levels and foods like baby rice, rice cakes and even puffed rice/rice krispies are included in the warning.


So what does this mean? As with any food, rice should be eaten in moderation and as part of a balanced diet. For most of us our rice intake won’t be enough to cause concern, but for those who eat large quantities of rice and rice products every day there could be a health risk.
Babies and small children are particularly vulnerable so when buying for infants stick to specific baby products that are subject to stricter limits

FYI

BBC Two - Trust Me, I'm a Doctor, Series 6, Episode 2 - Should I be concerned about arsenic in my rice?

https://www.food.gov.uk/science/arsenic-in-rice

https://cot.food.gov.uk/sites/default/files/finalstatementonarsenic_0.pdf

There's been a lot of trouble with rice lately. Apparently China has been selling plastic rice so I'd be careful with feeding / eating rice.

Just when the Mrs' had me almost believing that Rice was not planted in sewer waste this comes to the surface. Needless to say, she will not be happy.

Thank-you, for providing a method of cooking Rice safely!

Plastic Rice seems to be a reality is some parts of the World that may not have the over-sight that other areas 'likely' have in place. With the combination of 'Fake News' and accurately /reliable reports makes this story difficult to follow. At present, First World Country likely have some percentage of this product in their distribution system. Whereas other Countries (third World Countries) could have much larger volumes in their distribution systems.

This like many other 'issues' with Food Product shipped into our Countries only go to further support: Grow Locally, Shop Locally and Buy Locally has ever more merit today.

We rarely do rice in our house due to (health nut/fitness weirdo) Rival's reservations about it!

Question: What will you do in relation to your parrot?

No tricks, no bashing, just interested folks.

1) Carry on feeding it, same as before,

2) Feed smaller amounts/less often

3) Avoid feeding it altogether.

TIA

GaleriaGila said:

We rarely do rice in our house due to (health nut/fitness weirdo) Rival's reservations about it!

Click to expand...

I'd rather have a plate of mashed potato's - curry and mash anyone

plumsmum2005 said:

Question: What will you do in relation to your parrot?

No tricks, no bashing, just interested folks.

1) Carry on feeding it, same as before,

2) Feed smaller amounts/less often

3) Avoid feeding it altogether.

TIA

Click to expand...

Personally I avoid feeding rice to Lincoln because I've always heard it expands in their crop. I've seen learned that if you let it soak beforehand and expand then there won't be a problem but the paranoia over it is already rooted and I rather find alternatives. So I pick 3