The NGT has acknowledged the issue of arsenic in rice and requested responses from the Union Agriculture and Environment Ministries and the CPCB. This action follows a Times Now article highlighting the risks of arsenic contamination in food.
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DELHI: Recently, The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has taken suo motu cognizance of concerns regarding the presence of arsenic in food, with a particular focus on rice. The NGT has directed the Union Agriculture and Environment Ministries, along with the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), to provide responses on the matter. This follows a report published by Times Now, titled ‘Arsenic in Food: Should you wash rice before cooking it?’, which highlights the potential health risks associated with arsenic in rice.
The issue of arsenic in rice has been flagged by experts who warn that the element can be poisonous to the human body. The NGT’s Coram, comprising Chairperson Justice Prakash Shrivastava, judicial member Justice Arun Kumar Tyagi, and expert member Dr. A Senthil Vel, noted in their May 16 order-
“The issue at hand pertains to the presence of arsenic in rice, cautioned by experts for its potential toxicity to the human body. As indicated in the article, arsenic, naturally present in soil and water, is deemed hazardous and can be effectively removed through thorough soaking and washing of rice.”
Arsenic is a naturally occurring element found in water, soil, and rocks. It can enter the food chain through various pathways and is known to exist in different concentrations depending on the geographical area.
According to the Times Now article-
“Arsenic naturally occurs in water, soil, and rocks, varying in concentration across different regions, and easily enters the food chain.”
This ubiquitous presence raises significant concerns about food safety and public health, particularly in regions where rice is a staple diet.
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The toxic nature of arsenic means that even low levels of exposure can lead to serious health issues over time. Chronic arsenic exposure has been linked to various health problems, including skin lesions, cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and diabetes. Given the potential health risks, it is crucial to adopt precautionary measures to mitigate arsenic exposure through food. One of the key recommendations is to wash rice thoroughly before cooking.
The article emphasized-
“Arsenic, occurring naturally in soil and water, is acknowledged as toxic and can be readily eliminated by properly soaking and washing the rice.”
In light of these concerns, the NGT’s directive to the Union Agriculture and Environment Ministries and the CPCB underscores the need for a coordinated governmental response to address the issue of arsenic contamination in food. The involvement of these key ministries and regulatory bodies is essential for developing and implementing effective strategies to monitor and control arsenic levels in food products, particularly rice.
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The World Health Organization (WHO) has offered perspectives on the health hazards linked with prolonged exposure to arsenic. Noted by the NGT, WHO states that “long-term manifestations of arsenic poisoning typically manifest in the skin initially, often within a span of five years from exposure, with severe cases potentially resulting in fatality.”
Prolonged exposure to arsenic has been associated with a range of health complications, encompassing skin abnormalities, malignancies, heart conditions, and diabetes. These health implications underscore the urgency of regulating and reducing arsenic concentrations in food.
The NGT emphasized the need for strict compliance with environmental norms and the implementation of existing laws to manage arsenic pollution.
“This highlights a significant concern regarding adherence to environmental regulations and the enforcement of legal provisions.”
-the tribunal opined.
Ensuring that environmental regulations are followed is crucial to reducing arsenic levels in the environment and, consequently, in food products like rice.
The matter has been scheduled for further hearing on September 2.
