Arsenic is unavoidable because it is a naturally occurring element in air, soil, water and foods. People are likely to be exposed to low level of
arsenic even if rice is eliminated from their diets.
Recent media stories based on studies about high levels of arsenic in rice can mislead the public about this issue. It is important for consumers to know that arsenic is present everywhere and therefore trace amounts are present in foods like fruits and vegetables, regardless of whether they are organic or produced conventionally.
At the same time, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration released the first part of what will be a much larger study of arsenic in foods. These findings show that arsenic is present in quantities that might increase an individual’s life-time risk of cancer when children consume typical amounts of rice products.
While additional research, including the results of the ongoing FDA study, will be needed to provide detailed recommendations, the American Academy of Pediatrics believes that at the individual level, offering children a variety of foods, including products made from oats and wheat will decrease children’s exposure to arsenic derived from rice. In addition, if parents raise questions about arsenic in juice products, they can be reminded that it is not necessary to offer children any juice in a well-balanced, healthy diet; and that for years the AAP has recommended limited intake of all sweet beverages, including juice.
At the public policy level, the AAP will work with the FDA and other federal agencies to limit the use of arsenical compounds and participate in discussions about decreasing arsenic exposure through food and beverages.
arsenic even if rice is eliminated from their diets.
Recent media stories based on studies about high levels of arsenic in rice can mislead the public about this issue. It is important for consumers to know that arsenic is present everywhere and therefore trace amounts are present in foods like fruits and vegetables, regardless of whether they are organic or produced conventionally.
At the same time, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration released the first part of what will be a much larger study of arsenic in foods. These findings show that arsenic is present in quantities that might increase an individual’s life-time risk of cancer when children consume typical amounts of rice products.
While additional research, including the results of the ongoing FDA study, will be needed to provide detailed recommendations, the American Academy of Pediatrics believes that at the individual level, offering children a variety of foods, including products made from oats and wheat will decrease children’s exposure to arsenic derived from rice. In addition, if parents raise questions about arsenic in juice products, they can be reminded that it is not necessary to offer children any juice in a well-balanced, healthy diet; and that for years the AAP has recommended limited intake of all sweet beverages, including juice.
At the public policy level, the AAP will work with the FDA and other federal agencies to limit the use of arsenical compounds and participate in discussions about decreasing arsenic exposure through food and beverages.