High levels of lead detected in rice imported from certain countries

http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2013-04/acs-hlo031113.php

Public release date: 10-Apr-2013
Contact: Michael Bernstein
Michael Woods
American Chemical Society

NEW ORLEANS, April 8, 2013 — Rice imported from certain countries contains high levels of lead that could pose health risks, particularly for infants and children, who are especially sensitive to lead's effects, and adults of Asian heritage who consume large amounts of rice, scientists said here today. Their research, which found some of the highest lead levels in baby food, was among almost 12,000 reports scheduled for the 245th National Meeting & Exposition of the American Chemical Society, the world's largest scientific society, which continues through Thursday.

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pointed out that imports account for only 7 percent of the rice consumed in the United States

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However, imports of rice and rice flour are increasing ― by more than 200 percent since 1999

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They detected the highest amounts of lead in rice from Taiwan and China. Samples from the Czech Republic, Bhutan, Italy, India and Thailand had significantly high levels of lead as well. Analysis of rice samples from Pakistan, Brazil and other countries were still underway.

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