“Arsenic is present in the environment as a naturally occurring substance or as a result of contamination from human activity. It is found in water, air, soil and foods. In foods, arsenic may be present as inorganic arsenic (the most toxic form of arsenic) or organic arsenic. FDA has been monitoring the levels of arsenic in foods for decades, and in 2011, increased its testing. On September 6, 2013, FDA released the analytical results of approximately 1,100 new samples of rice and rice products as part of a major effort to understand and manage possible arsenic-related risks associated with the consumption of these foods in the U.S. marketplace. These 1,100 new samples are in addition to the approximately 200 samples of rice and rice products that the FDA initially tested and released the findings in September 2012.

• FDA Statement on Testing and Analysis of Arsenic in Rice and Rice Products
  The levels FDA found in its testing are too low to cause immediate or short-term adverse health effects. FDA’s work going forward will center on long-term risk and ways to manage it with a focus on long-term exposure.
• Consumer Update: FDA Explores Impact of Arsenic in Rice
  This news feature is intended for consumers interested in knowing about arsenic in rice and rice products.
• Updated Questions & Answers: Arsenic in Rice and Rice Products
• Blog: On Farms and in Labs, FDA and Partners Are Working to Get Answers on Arsenic in Rice
  FDA Commissioner Margaret A. Hamburg, M.D., recounts her experience touring farms and research facilities to better understand safety issues and the challenges of rice farming. ”