Solons probe arsenic in rice

Two lawmakers are calling for an inquiry into the possibility that the countrys rice supply
contains arsenic, a toxic substance dangerous to the publics health.
Rep. Rufus B. Rodriguez !nd "istrict, #agayan de $ro #ity% explained that arsenic is a
poisonous substance, which may be absorbed by all plants, but is more concentrated in leafy
&egetables, rice, apple and grape 'uice, and seafood.
(e said humans might be exposed to arsenic mainly through food and water) particularly
in certain areas where the groundwater is in contact with arsenic*containing minerals.
Rodriguez and his brother, Rep. +aximo B. Rodriguez ,r. -arty*list, .bante +indanao%
filed (ouse Resolution /012, which directs the #ommittee on .griculture and 3ood to conduct
an in&estigation, in aid of legislation, on the said issue.
The resolution also orders the (ouse panel to summon all concerned, particularly the
"epartment of .griculture ".%, the $ffice of the -residential .d&iser on 3ood 4ecurity, #odex
.limentarius #ommission, 3ood and .griculture $rganization, 5orld health $rganization,
6co5aste #oalition -ro'ect -rotect and other agencies and entities which may shed light and
resol&e the issue.
Rodriguez stressed the need for the go&ernment to ensure that all 3ilipinos, especially the
children and other &ulnerable groups, ha&e access to safe rice, the -hilippines being a rice*eating
nation of /77 million people.
The +indanao solon also echoed the suggestion of Thony "izon, 6co5aste #oalition
-ro'ect -rotect #oordinator, that the ". must test samples of polished rice to allay consumers
concern o&er arsenic in the rice supply and in order to assure the public that rice being sold in the
market is safe from arsenic.
8The 6co5aste #oalition -ro'ect -rotect also suggested that the sampling should co&er
locally grown rice and rice imported from other countries,9 he said.
Rodriguez cited the recommendation of #odex that arsenic in rice must not exceed 7.!
mg:kg to protect consumers from excessi&e exposure.
8.ccording to #odex, rice can take up more arsenic than other foods and due to its high
consumption can contribute significantly to arsenic exposure,9 Rodriguez said.
The #odex, established by the 3.$ and 5($ in /;<=, is the international body that sets
food safety and quality standards.
. 5($ report states that long*term exposure to arsenic from drinking water and food can
cause cancer and skin lesions. =7% mvip
NR # 3632B
OCT. 27, 2014