Arsenic in rice scare reaction in La. - KNOE 8 News; KNOE-TV; KNOE.com |

MONROE, La., (KNOE 8 News) - The arsenic in rice scare is becoming a discussion point in Louisiana as well as the rest of the country.

Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry (LDAF) Commissioner Mike Strain, D.V.M., says the Consumer Reports study in which arsenic was detected in rice is a matter being closely monitored by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

There are about 1,000 rice producers that grow approximately 400,000 acres of rice in Louisiana. Rice is a $475 million industry in the state. The U.S. Department of Agriculture ranks Louisiana third in rice production.

Commissioner Strain says rice will stay on his personal diet for the time being. "While the presence of arsenic in rice sounds alarming, it is not new," Strain said. "I encourage consumers to continue eating a well balanced diet," added Strain.

The FDA and the EPA monitor the levels of arsenic in food. They say arsenic is a naturally occurring element that is present in air, water, rocks and soil.

The FDA has monitored arsenic levels for more than 20 years and is in the process of collecting and analyzing about 1,000 samples. Once completed, the FDA will determine whether or not to issue additional recommendations.