Up to approximately 130 kg per year per inhabitant in China. Compared to 6 kg per person per year in France. Rice, like pasta, is a major ingredient in our diet. Easy to cook and versatile, it also contributes to the creation of a balanced meal.
Source of fiber, vitamins (b1, b3 and b5) and minerals (potassium, magnesium, phosphorus), rice is also an ally of age and cellular old age, with its variety of antioxidants.
However, according to a comparative test of 60 Million consumers, not all rice is good to eat. The magazine analyzed 40 rice references among the four most consumed varieties (basmati, Thai, long grain and Camargue) in France. National brands (Alter Eco, Ben’s, Lustucru, Priméal, Taureau ailé, etc.) and private label brands (Auchan, Carrefour, E. Leclerc, Lidl, U, etc.).
Pesticides in basmati rice
The magazine highlighted the presence of pesticides in more than a third of the products tested, with nine different substances identified. Pesticides that are potentially carcinogenic, mutagenic and toxic for reproduction. Particularly in basmati rice, the most popular in France. However, no study has so far demonstrated any real risk.
Arsenic in Camargue and long grain rice
Non-organic Camargue and long grain rice present traces of inorganic arsenic, naturally present in the soil. Namely: arsenic poses a problem for human health if it exceeds a threshold value of 0.15 mg/kg for milled (white) and unparboiled rice, and 0.25 mg/kg for parboiled rice ( ungluable) and hulled, like semi-complete rice. So check when you choose your rice.
Brands to avoid
60 Million consumers take this role very seriously and also advise avoiding certain brands. Saint Eloi rice (Intermarché brand), Ben’s, Vivien Paille and U should therefore be excluded.
The best choice: Thai rice
Thai rice remains the good student of this investigation. The magazine, however, invites consumers to prefer organic.
