OGDEN, Utah (ABC 4 News) – Eating rice once a day can increase arsenic levels in the human body by 44 percent and eating it twice a day can lead to a 70 percent increase in arsenic, according to Consumer Reports Magazine.
ABC 4 talked with rice lovers in Ogden to get reaction to this news. “I would say pull it. See why that (arsenic levels in rice) is so high. Although it hasn’t hurt anybody, it has the potential,” said Jesse Parkin.
The USA Rice Federation does not dispute measurable arsenic levels in rice, but says there is no documented case of illness related to the food.
“I bought rice today," said Lisa Lay. "Are you going to eat it?" asked ABC 4's Noah Bond. "Heck yeah. Why not. Yeah I think people are too paranoid. I think if we sat and examined what was in everything we ate we wouldn’t eat anything,” she continued.
Despite Lay’s attitude about eating rice, the director of Consumer Safety and Sustainability at Consumer Reports recommends folks like her moderate rice consumption, but when it comes down to it, folks in Utah say if no is sick from eating rice; then they're going to eat up.
“It doesn’t change my opinion on rice,” said Jennifer Fryer.
“I’ll still eat rice. Yeah I’m going to eat my rice,” said Parkin.
“I just ate rice yesterday so I’ll probably eat it again today," said Randy Parkin. "You feel OK?" Bond. I’m feeling fine,” replied Parkin.
For more information about arsenic in rice click on the attached link.
