The ability of rice to accumulate relatively large quantities of arsenic in its grain, in contrast to other
cereals, like wheat, is well established. Generally rice
contains dimethylarsenic acid (DMA), small amounts of
monomethylarsonic acid (MMA) and inorganic arsenic (iAs). In rare cases other organo-arsenic compounds, like tetramethylarsenic, have been recorded. The arsenic content and the species present depend on the rice variety, soil and growth conditions. Consumers in Europe or
North America have no control over the latter two and often no origin information is provided on pre-packaged rice, making it impossible for the average consumer to
make an informed choice about which rice to eat.
United States
