Cadmium-tainted rice found in China

Nearly half of the 18 rice samples tested in the local markets of Guangzhou, China, in the first three months of this year were found to contain high levels of cadmium, according to the Guangzhou Food and Drug Administration.

The tests conducted by the government revealed that about 44% of the rice and rice products sold in the southern city of Guangzhou contained excess levels of cadmium, a carcinogenic metal that could cause cancer and other illnesses.

According to the Guangzhou authorities, the contaminated rice samples were found to contain 0.21mg to 0.4mg of cadmium in each kilogram of rice.

The Chinese government permits a maximum 0.2mg of cadmium in each kilogram of rice.

The affected rice was primarily imported from Hunan province and all of the rice was produced at small-scale mills that are involved in smaller operations, making it difficult to regulate standards.

Guangzhou authorities stated that the sample size evaluated was small, and does not necessarily represent all the rice sold in the region.

The government noted that it has prohibited the use of the contaminated rice, has adopted control measures, and will continue with the surveillance and random sampling of rice being marketed in Guangzhou.

Although the investigations are ongoing, it is believed that the contamination occurred due to soil polluted with heavy metals or the heavy use of fertilisers by farmers.

Initially, the authorities declined to disclose the names of the rice producers involved and the origins of the poisoned rice.

The government later revealed that Daban Rice Factory, Xiasheng Rice Factory, Rixing Rice Mill and Dongyang Rice Mill were the producers involved in supplying the tainted rice.

In recent years, the Chinese food supply has been suffering from multiple scandals.

In March, it was found that rat, fox, mink and other meat are being sold as lamb in the country, which raised concerns over food safety.

These incidents have occurred at a time when the Chinese industry is struggling to regain consumer confidence in the safety of its products following a series of scandals in the country in 2008 and 2011.

In 2008, about 22 dairy companies were implicated for using industrial chemical melamine in milk and infant formula.

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Image: Tests conducted by the government revealed that about 44% of the rice samples taken in Guangzhou contained excess levels of cadmium. Photo courtesy of Kate Hayter.