Medium Grain Rice
Medium-grain rice is a whole food carbohydrate; brown variety provides fiber and B vitamins, while white is more refined. Rice can contain inorganic arsenic from soil; FDA has issued action levels for infant rice cereal.
What it is
A class of rice (Oryza sativa) with grains shorter and plumper than long-grain rice; tends to be moister and stickier when cooked.
Used as a staple carbohydrate in dishes such as risotto, paella, sushi, and rice pudding.
Why it's flagged
- potential inorganic arsenic content
- refined (white) version is high glycemic
What regulators actually say
"FDA has set an action level of 100 parts per billion (ppb) for inorganic arsenic in infant rice cereal."
"Commission Regulation (EU) 2023/915 sets maximum levels for inorganic arsenic in rice and rice-based products."
Regulatory status
United States — FDA
Whole food/staple; FDA has issued action levels for inorganic arsenic in infant rice cereal (100 ppb).
European Union — EFSA
Permitted; arsenic limits under Regulation (EU) 2023/915.
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