A survey on the cadmium contamination in brown rice sold in Tokyo

Abstract

Heavy metals are ubiquitous in the environment and nature, and even in trace amounts, chronic exposure to them can have negative health effects on humans. It is known that rice, in particular, easily accumulate cadmium (Cd). Cd can accumulate in the human body and affect human health. In Japan, rice is a staple food and a main leading source of Cd poisoning. The Tokyo Metropolitan Government has been investigating the Cd content in brown rice sold in Tokyo since 1973 in order to prevent Cd poisoning in humans. A survey result from 2010 to 2018 stated that there was no sample that exceeded the maximum limit (0.4 ppm). Moreover, compared with past survey reports in Tokyo, the Cd content in brown rice has obviously decreased. In this survey, cadmium intake from brown rice was not particularly problematic in terms of food hygiene.