Not in My Food.org : Know what you're eating
Arsenic
Arsenic has long been recognized as a poison and a contaminant in drinking water, but now concerns are growing about arsenic in foods, especially in fruit juices that are a mainstay for children.
Consumers Union Documents
- Letter to the FDA asking to limit the amount of arsenic in food and beverages
Consumers Union is writing to express deep concern about delays in the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) work to limit the amount of arsenic consumers are exposed to through food and beverages.
- CU letter to USDA regarding arsenic in rice
Consumer Reports released an article involving findings on arsenic levels in rice and rice-based products
- CU letter to the EPA regarding arsenic in rice
Consumer Reports released an article involving findings on arsenic levels in rice and rice-based products
- CU letter to the FDA regarding arsenic in rice
Consumer Reports released an article involving findings on arsenic levels in rice and rice-based products
Press Releases
- FDA initiates formal withdraw of approval of three arsenic-based animal drugs
CU applauds the FDA for this important action towards safeguarding public health and largely curtailing the deliberate introduction of arsenic into the feed and food supply
- FDA arsenic-in-Rice findings underscore concerns about long-term safety
FDA announcement “misses the point” focusing on short-term effects
- Consumer Reports Applauds FDA for Issuing Proposed Apple Juice Guidance
Proposing a 10 ppb guidance for apple juice—the same level set for water—is a reasonable first step in protecting consumers from unnecessary exposure to arsenic. It also offers an important enforcement and accountability tool for regulators and a key benchmark for apple juice manufacturers.
- CU presses to end delays of FDA work to limit arsenic exposure through food, beverages
CU strongly urges the Agency to do all it can to ensure the release of its final guidance on arsenic in fruit juice so that consumers can begin to reduce their exposure to this contaminant
- Consumers Union calls on EPA to ban arsenic-containing pesticides
Congress-directed review could delay needed action for years; Public still waiting for guidance on arsenic in apple juice
- Congress introduces “R.I.C.E. Act” to Limit Arsenic in Rice after Consumer Reports Investigation
Consumer Reports that found concerning levels of arsenic in tests of more than 200 samples of rice and rice products
- Info-graphic: How Arsenic Gets Into Rice and Tips to Limit Your Exposure
Complete Consumer Reports Arsenic In Rice Results
- Consumer Reports: Arsenic levels in rice show need for federal action
Government data shows eating one rice food item can increase arsenic exposure by 44 percent
- House bill to limit arsenic in apple & grape juices
Consumer Reports tests of arsenic and lead levels in certain apple, grape juices raise concerns
- Consumer Reports finds concerning levels of arsenic and lead in juice
Apple and grape juice tests show levels that can contribute to long-term health problems.
Blog Posts
- Double win for kids’ safety in new BPA & arsenic rules
It doesn’t take a parent to know that exposing children to toxins in their juice or infant formula is a bad idea. But a lot of us here at Consumers Union wear the badges of concerned parents (and grandparents) alongside our consumer advocate titles – and that’s why we’re doubly glad at two recent Continue Reading
- Fast action on arsenic in food!
The latest issue of Consumer Reports features a powerful report on the presence of arsenic in rice and makes recommendations to both consumers and the government. Almost immediately, the FDA took steps to address the problem and lawmakers filed bills. We’re a long way from real reform, but this was a big first step. This Continue Reading
- Tips To Limit Your Exposure To Arsenic In Rice Products
Consumer Reports latest investigation has found troubling levels of arsenic in many of the 200 rice products we tested, everything from brown rice to infant cereal – even some popular name-brand cereals. We’ve compiled some tips to help you cut your risk of exposure to this possibly dangerous carcinogen: Test your water. If your home is not on Continue Reading
- How does arsenic get into rice anyway? (infographic)
Having trouble viewing this? Try this version. Complete Consumer Reports Arsenic In Rice Results
- Consumer Reports investigation prompts legislation to limit arsenic & lead in juice
New legislation introduced in the House this week would require limits to be set on arsenic and lead levels in juice for the first time. The “Arsenic Prevention and Protection from Lead Exposure in Juice Act of 2012” (or APPLE Juice Act), introduced by Representatives Frank Pallone (D-NJ) and Rosa DeLauro (D-CT), would require the Continue Reading
- Consumer Reports finds arsenic, lead in apple and grape juice
Apple juice, one of the mainstays of kids’ fare in the US, has come under fire lately due to testing that found high levels of arsenic. Amidst these allegations, Consumer Reports conducted our own investigation and found problematic levels of arsenic – as well as lead – in many of the juices tested. No federal standards Continue Reading
- FDA study: chicken tests positive for arsenic
Lipitor, Viagra, …roxarsone? You’re probably familiar with at least the first two of these drugs manufactured by the pharmaceutical company Pfizer. If you’ve never heard of roxarsone, also known as 3-Nitro, that’s because it’s for chickens. Roxarsone has been administered to poultry for decades. It helps prevent intestinal parasites, but also happens to promote growth Continue Reading
- Tales from the Crypt of Gross Food- Are you what you eat?
News Articles
- F.D.A. Bans Three Arsenic Drugs Used in Poultry and Pig Feeds Source: The New York Times (Tuesday October 1, 2020)
- New Limits for Arsenic Proposed by F.D.A. Source: New York Times (Friday July 12, 2020)
- How dangerous is the arsenic in our rice? FDA needs to let us know Source: LA Times (Wednesday July 3, 2020)
- Study Finds an Increase in Arsenic Levels in Chicken Source: New York Times (Saturday May 11, 2020)
- What I’m telling my patients about arsenic and rice Source: Boston Globe (Thursday November 1, 2020)
- FDA testing rice products after (Consumer Reports) arsenic report Source: Medill Reports (Thursday October 18, 2020)
- Arsenic levels in rice trouble experts Source: Today Show (Wednesday September 19, 2020)
- FDA working on plan to limit arsenic levels in rice Source: Washington Post (Wednesday September 19, 2020)
- U.S. needs arsenic limits in rice: Consumer Reports Source: Reuters (Wednesday September 19, 2020)
- Arsenic in Rice: New Report Finds ‘Worrisome Levels’ Source: ABC News (Wednesday September 19, 2020)