Lundberg Family Farms

Arsenic in Food

We understand that many of you may be concerned about the recently published study on arsenic in rice syrup and want clear answers about what it may mean for the health of your family and where Lundberg Family Farms stands on the issue. The subject of naturally occurring arsenic in food products is complex and an area that has been the subject of a number of studies but as of yet there are no federal or state standards in regard to testing or as to what are safe levels.

Here is what we are doing in this area:

1. Studying the effect of human arsenic ingestion. We have been analyzing the research that has been published and are enlisting experts to help us with this analysis and put into context the impact of the levels of arsenic cited by various recent studies. Read what we're reading.
2. Assessing current safety recommendations. We want to provide you with as much information about what governmental agencies (both domestic and international) and/or academic researchers say are safe levels of arsenic in food products. Read what we're reading.
3. Establishing testing protocols. While testing has never been a requirement for rice much less other foods which contain naturally occurring arsenic, Lundberg Family Farms is working with research facilities to establish the proper protocols and methodology for testing our product line. From our perspective, the most important information that testing needs to be able to answer is: what impact does this have on your health? Read what we're reading.
4. Studying generalized research on arsenic in the environment. We want to provide you with information on modes of uptake to rice, situations where people may be at risk for elevated exposure to arsenic, and other general research on arsenic. Read what we're reading.

We are mindful that many of you rely on Lundberg Family Farms because of health concerns, and that information, such as the recently published study, can be a cause for concern. The health and safety of our customers is a top priority for all of us at Lundberg Family Farms and we are working diligently to provide the clarity and answers you want. We welcome any thoughts you have on this important subject or the actions we are taking.

We appreciate your trust in our brand and are committed to providing you with the quality and healthy products you expect from Lundberg Family Farms.

If you have questions on any of this information, please contact us or post your concerns and comments to our Lundberg Family Farms Facebook page or Twitter feed.

You can also visit the following organizations' websites for further information on this study:

• USA Rice Federation
• California Rice Commission
• Organic Trade Association