Pesticides in rice? In any case, this is what a survey by the magazine 60 Millions de consommateurs reveals, spotted by our colleagues at L’Union. In total, 40 rice references were analyzed, 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.).
Basmati rice with pesticides
The magazine indicates 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. Basmati rice is particularly affected. No real risk has yet been demonstrated.
Read also | La Couture: faced with the ban on pesticides, endivers fear for their future
Arsenic in Camargue and long grain rice
Non-organic Camargue and long grain rice contain traces of inorganic arsenic, naturally present in the soil. Please note that arsenic can be dangerous if it exceeds a threshold value of 0.15 mg/kg for milled (white) and non-parboiled rice, and 0.25 mg/kg for parboiled (uncooked) rice. ) and hulled, like semi-complete rice.
The best and the worst
Certain brands should also be avoided, according to 60 Million consumers. Saint Eloi rice (Intermarché brand), Ben’s, Vivien Paille and U are some of them. The best choice would ultimately be Thai rice. He is the good student of this investigation. The magazine, however, invites consumers to prefer organic.
