The question of whether Uncle Ben's rice contains arsenic is a valid concern for health-conscious consumers. With the brand now operating as Ben's Original, its products continue to be subject to the same agricultural factors that influence arsenic levels in all rice. The presence of inorganic arsenic is not due to any special processing but rather the rice plant's unique ability to absorb the element from its growing environment, which is often flooded.
Why Arsenic is Present in Rice
Arsenic is a naturally occurring element found in soil and water. It can be present due to geological factors, past pesticide use, and industrial contamination. Rice is particularly efficient at absorbing arsenic from its environment, far more so than other cereal crops like wheat or oats. The flooded conditions in which rice is typically grown exacerbate this absorption, making it a more prominent issue for rice than for other grains.
Inorganic arsenic is the form of concern and is classified as a carcinogen by the European Union. Exposure to high levels of inorganic arsenic over time is linked to various health problems, and while the amounts in rice are typically low, consistent and high consumption warrants attention.
Is All Ben's Original Rice Affected?
Arsenic levels vary significantly based on the type of rice and where it was grown. For instance, brown rice generally contains higher levels of inorganic arsenic than white rice because arsenic tends to accumulate in the rice bran. The bran is removed to produce white rice, which lowers the arsenic content but also strips some nutrients. Different products from Ben's Original, such as white parboiled rice and brown rice, will have varying levels of arsenic due to this difference in processing.
A Comparison of Arsenic in Rice Types
| Rice Type | Relative Arsenic Level | Nutritional Value | Recommended for High Consumption? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brown Rice | Higher (bran remains) | High (fiber, minerals, vitamins) | No, due to higher arsenic levels |
| White Rice | Lower (bran removed) | Lower (fiber, etc. removed) | Maybe, but variety is key |
| Parboiled Rice | Lower (processing helps) | Moderate (some nutrients retained) | Yes, offers a good balance |
| Basmati/Jasmine | Lower (often grown in specific regions) | Varies by grain | Yes, often a safer choice |
How to Reduce Arsenic in Ben's Original and Other Rice
For consumers concerned about arsenic exposure from rice, several cooking techniques can effectively lower the levels.
- The Parboiling with Absorption (PBA) Method: A study by the University of Sheffield found that parboiling rice in pre-boiled water for five minutes, draining the water, and then cooking it in fresh water on low heat significantly reduces arsenic while retaining most nutrients.
- Rinsing and Excess Water Method: Cooking rice using a large volume of water and then draining the excess, much like pasta, can reduce inorganic arsenic levels by 40–60%. This is especially effective when combined with pre-rinsing the rice until the water runs clear, although rinsing alone is not enough.
- Vary Your Grains: Reducing reliance on rice as a daily staple is a crucial strategy. Incorporating other grains such as quinoa, barley, millet, or bulgur, which absorb significantly less arsenic, can help lower overall exposure.
The Rebranding and its Health Context
The brand's name change from Uncle Ben's to Ben's Original in 2020 was primarily motivated by a desire to remove racial stereotypes from its branding, not because of health concerns. However, the rebranding occurred during a period of increased public awareness regarding food safety issues, including contaminants like arsenic. Regardless of the name change, the core product remains rice, and the natural presence of arsenic in rice is a long-standing issue that applies to all brands, not just Ben's Original.
Conclusion
Does Uncle Ben's rice contain arsenic? Yes, because it's rice, and rice naturally absorbs this element from the soil where it is grown. The key takeaway is that the presence of arsenic is a widespread issue for all rice, not a unique problem with the Ben's Original brand. By understanding the factors that influence arsenic levels and implementing simple cooking methods, such as cooking in excess water and draining, consumers can significantly reduce their exposure. Choosing a balanced diet that includes a variety of different grains is the most effective long-term strategy for minimizing risk. For those with particular health concerns, especially for infants, diversifying away from rice-based products is recommended.
More information on arsenic in food from the Environmental Protection Agency.
