A recent investigation by Consumer Reports found that many rice products contain measurable levels of inorganic arsenic, a known carcinogen. The investigation tested 52 rice products and found that more than 40 percent of them had enough arsenic to raise the risk of cancer and type 2 diabetes if consumed daily.

What Can You Do?

Consumer Reports suggests that consumers can reduce their exposure to arsenic by varying their diet and choosing lower-arsenic varieties of rice, such as basmati and sushi rice. Cooking rice in extra water and then draining it can also help reduce arsenic levels.

Some companies, such as Lundberg and Whole Foods, have responded to the investigation by stating that they test their rice for heavy metals and meet California’s strict safety limits. However, many other companies did not respond to the investigation.

The FDA has not responded to Consumer Reports’ request for comment on the investigation. Consumer Reports is calling for the FDA to set arsenic limits on all rice products.

Original reporting: WESH Orlando — read the source article.