Pesticides and toxins: the least contaminated rice according to 60 million consumers

Economical and simply delicious, rice is often a classic in our kitchen cupboards. In France, we consume up to 6 kilos per inhabitant per year, according to the magazine 60 million consumers as part of his comparative study of several rice references in his February issue (1). In this new edition, the magazine has in fact looked for three components in 40 rice references; specifically pesticides, aflatoxins – carcinogenic toxins produced by mold – and inorganic arsenic, a naturally toxic component present in the soil and absorbed by the plant. The study analyzed 14 references of basmati rice, 10 of Thai rice, 10 of long grain rice and 6 of Camargue rice, all present in supermarkets and specialized organic stores. Focus on the least contaminated by the variety in the market.

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The best basmati rice references

Originally from India or Pakistan, basmati rice is favored for its long, fine grain. Unfortunately, numerous pesticide residues were detected in the 14 analyzed references. Thus, it is mainly references from organic farming that manage to climb the steps of the podium. With one exception: in the first place is the Carrefour extra basmati rice, praised for its pesticide-free composition and its low levels of inorganic arsenic and aflatoxin. A product sold at €2.79 per kilo and showing a score of 18/20.

Obtaining a score of 17.5 / 20 and reaching the second place in the list, is the organic basmati rice from the Alter Eco brand. Originating from India, it is much more expensive than the first reference, displaying a price of €8.50 per kilo. On the other hand, this product is printed with the Organic Fair Trade and Fair for Life labels, ensuring a sustainable and fair trade.

The best references of Thai rice

Much appreciated for its natural jasmine aroma, Thai rice is “virtually, or almost, free from chemical contamination,” according to 60 million consumers. On the other hand, traces of inorganic arsenic are almost systematically detected here and up to twice as much as in basmati rice. In the Thai variety, it is rice from organic farming that takes the first step of the podium. Obtained a score of 16.5/20 and sold at €6.30 per kilo, this reference from the brand Autour du riz comes from Thailand and is marked Fair Trade Organic.

Also obtaining a score of 16.5/20, organic Thai rice from the La Vie Claire brand reached second place in the ranking. Sold at €7 per kilo, it is free of any trace of pesticides, such as tebuconazole, a plant growth regulator, or cypermethrin, a powerful insecticide.

The best rice references from Camargue

Much appreciated for its neutral taste and long grain, Camargue rice is preserved from any trace of pesticides. In fact, its 12,000 hectares of cultivation allow production “according to less intensive methods”, underlines the president of the Union of French Growers, Bernard Mazel, in the columns of 60 million consumers. Thus, in first position with a score of 17.5/20 is the IGP Grain Long Camargue rice from the brand Our regions have talent – E.Leclerc. In addition to being pesticide-free, it is also noted for its low levels of inorganic arsenic and aflatoxins. A product sold at a price of €3.80 per kilo.

In the second position is a semi-complete IGP Camargue rice from the Bongran brand. Obtained a score of 16.5/20, this reference from organic agriculture shows a price of €5.50 per kilo.

The best long grain rice references

Regarding long grain rice, our colleagues report that this variety is “relatively loaded” with arsenic, but that the amounts found in the 10 analyzed references remain in compliance with the standards in force. It is therefore the long fragrant rice of first quality Risu Jasmine from the Riz du monde brand that appears on the first step of the podium. Selling at €3.37 per kilo, it gets a score of 16.5/20.

A little less expensive, a long unstickable rice from the Lustucru brand comes in second position in the ranking, sold at €3.15 per kilo and also gets 16.5/20. I AM, team Camargue, Thai, basmati or long grain rice?

(1) The full survey can be found in the magazine 60 million consumers currently on newsstands and on the website.