The US Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) has found arsenic content in about 30 samples of Indian basmati rice in its preliminary analysis. The regulator will issue an advisory to consumers after completing its study. However,exporters from India said basmati rice was free from arsenic content as shipments are made only after complying with the required tests. The USFDA has collected 200 samples of rice and rice products available in the American market from different countries including India. Of the 200 samples,31 Indian samples had inorganic arsenic content in the range of 1.8 to 6.5 microgram per serving. The FDA is in the process of collecting and analysing samples to examine the issue thoroughly. FDA will analyse these results and determine whether or not to issue additional recommendations, the USFDA said.
