Consumers can also limit exposure by eating a varied diet rather than relying on a single grain, says the FDA.
TBS Report
23 October, 2026, 10:55 am
Last modified: 23 October, 2026, 11:02 am
Washing rice before cooking may do little to reduce its arsenic content, while cooking it in excess water and draining the water can reduce inorganic arsenic levels, according to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
The FDA advises consumers to make informed food choices to limit exposure to arsenic, an environmental contaminant that can be present in food.
Cooking rice in excess water, using a ratio of six to 10 parts water to one part rice, and draining the excess water after cooking can reduce inorganic arsenic levels by 40% to 60%, depending on the type of rice, the FDA says.
However, the cooking method can also reduce the levels of certain added nutrients in rice by 50% to 70%.
Rinsing rice before cooking, meanwhile, has little effect on its arsenic content, according to the FDA.
The agency's guidance highlights the need to weigh the potential reduction in arsenic exposure against the loss of nutrients when choosing how to prepare rice.
Consumers can also limit exposure by eating a varied diet rather than relying on a single grain, the FDA states.