The presence of arsenic in baby food highlighted the lack of regulation over arsenic content in foods.  A high-profile scandal, it raised concerns about legal permission to include a poisonous ingredient in a variety of foods without requiring a label to inform consumers.  Since that scandal, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has taken limited steps to change the status quo.

Recently, the FDA proposed setting a limit of 10 parts per billion on inorganic arsenic in apple juice, which is the same standard for U.S. drinking water set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).  Some consumer groups have noted that the standard does not go far enough to protect consumers, but is an important first step.  The FDA is currently accepting comments from the public and may revise its proposal before finalizing the standards.

According to the World Health Organization, arsenic is naturally present in a number of sources, including the air, water, and land.  Inorganic arsenic can be highly toxic.  Long-term exposure to inorganic arsenic through consumption of contaminated food and water can result in cancer, skin lesions, developmental issues, neurotoxicity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.  Acute symptoms include those similar to food poisoning, as well as numbness, tingling, muscle cramping, and possibly death.  Inorganic arsenic often comes from contaminated groundwater, industrial processes, and tobacco use.

Consumer Reports tested more than 200 samples of products that contain rice.  Products include cereal, flour, vinegar, crackers, pasta, and plain rice, with several going beyond recommended levels of arsenic.  A number of infant cereals had dangerous levels, which caused concerns because of the link of arsenic consumption to developmental delays and long-term health issues for children.

The presence of arsenic in rice has been an issue of global discussion.  Countries with rice as a major export have stepped in to try and assure consumers that their rice continues to be safe.  For example, researchers in the Philippines said there is no evidence supporting the need to stop eating rice from Asia, but did not state that arsenic was not present.

When concerns were raised about the presence of arsenic, government officials noted that it is important to differentiate between organic and inorganic.  Specifically, tests indicating the presence of arsenic in a product often fail to test for just inorganic.  Organic arsenic alone is considered harmless.  Moreover, the FDA continues a routine monitoring program to determine levels of arsenic, assuring consumers that products continue to be safe for consumption.  Despite these assurances, consumer advocates continue to push for stronger controls.