Beware of imported rice from Taiwan, China, Czech Republic,
Bhutan, Italy, India and Thailand.
Image credit:www.nation.pk.com
Recently
New Jersey researchers discovered that the white rice imported
into the United States from across the globe has potentially
high levels of lead!
Dr. Tsanangurayi Tongesayi, an
environmental chemistry professor at Monmouth University in
New Jersey, US, said his team’s finding is concerning
to the major rice consumers of the Asian-American population
and it is worrisome to consider the health hazards it can
render to infants and children who are comparatively more
sensitive.
Dr. Tongesayi's team analyzed rice
samples imported from Asia, Europe and South America. They
found the imported rice samples to contain anywhere from 6
to 12 mg/kg of lead; this is surpassing the FDA's allowable
levels. The highest amount of lead was found in rice imported
from Taiwan and China. Rice from the Czech Republic, Bhutan,
Italy, India and Thailand also had significantly high levels
of lead. The study found, from the analyzed products, that
for adults, lead exposure from daily intake of imported rice
is about 20 to 40 times higher than the FDA's tolerable levels
and for infants and children it would be 30 to 60 times higher
than the FDA's provisional total tolerable intake (PTTI) levels.
Tests are underway for samples from Pakistan, Brazil and other
countries. The team’s analysis is based on the calculations
of daily recommended servings of rice, but people may be consuming
more than the recommended serving. So, all the numbers may
be just under-estimated values.
Though US is a major rice producer,
imported rice accounts for 7% and the import of rice and rice
flour has gone up by 200% since 1999. With about 3 billion
people across the world consuming rice as their staple diet,
this finding is a matter of global concern.
What does the National Institute
of Health (NIH) say? Even small amount of lead exposure can
interact with the developing nervous system and brain of infants
and children. So, it is more harmful to them compared to adults.
Complications like behavioral problems, IQ deficits, hearing
problems, kidney damage and stunted physical growth can happen.
Dr. Tongesayi says agricultural
practices like irrigation of crops with raw sewage effluent
and untreated industrial effluent is a cause of concern. Also,
increasing practice of dumping electronic waste into developing
countries is increasing the pollution. Although, Codex Alimentarius,
(a collection of food-safety standards set by the United Nations)
exists, is it time to review the need for international regulations
that will govern production and distribution of food across
the globe?
Watch the informational Video: News coverage !
Watch the Video#2: Know about Lead !
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