just received this in an email from a consultant that i know. doesn't apply to us but i thought there may be people on here who may be interested:
The Food Standards Agency has today announced the results of a survey of total and inorganic arsenic levels in 60 samples of rice drinks available in the UK. Rice drink (also known as rice milk) is a blend of filtered water and rice and is usually marketed as either a `dairy free-alternative to cows? milk? or a ?low-fat drink? and are usually often consumed by those who wish to avoid dairy foods. Some toddlers and young children who are allergic to cows? milk and soya drink are currently advised to use calcium fortified rice drinks.
The Department's Advises:
· All toddlers and young children (aged 1-5 years) should not be given rice drinks in order to minimise their exposure to inorganic arsenic.
· This is a precautionary measure to minimise children?s exposure to arsenic. Parents who have given their children rice drinks should be reassured that there is no immediate risk of harmful effects but in order to reduce further exposure to inorganic arsenic, they should stop giving rice drinks to toddlers and young children.
· Parents of toddlers and young children with diagnosed allergy to cows? milk and soya drink who are currently consuming rice drinks should be advised of suitable alternatives such as fully hydrolysed infant formula or oat or almond drinks. Growth and development of these children should be monitored and parents should receive specific dietary advice to ensure that their nutritional needs particularly of calcium are met through a diversified diet.
· Parents of toddlers and young children who are lactose-intolerant or who have galactosaemia should be advised to give their infant lactose-free formula.