U.S. RICE EXPORTS TO HAITI HAVE UNHEALTHY LEVELS OF ARSENIC, STUDY FINDS
U.S. rice exports to Haiti, which account for the bulk of supplies of the country’s key food staple, contain unhealthy levels of arsenic and cadmium, heavy metals that can increase risks of cancer and heart disease, according to a recent study by the University of Michigan. According to the study, average arsenic and cadmium concentrations were nearly twice as high in imported rice compared to Haitian-grown product, with some imported samples exceeding international limits. Nearly all imported rice samples exceeded the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s recommendation for children’s consumption.
The study also pointed to comparatively loose U.S. limits on concentrations arsenic and cadmium, which can leach from both human and naturally occurring sources to contaminate food and water. The report cited Louisiana, Texas and Arkansas as top exporting states. “The flooding of U.S. rice into Haiti is not only economically violent for Haitian peyizan who struggle to sell their local product, but also violent toward the long-term health of Haitian consumers,” the report said. “By maintaining a system dependent almost exclusively on U.S. rice, Haiti is importing a substantial amount of risk.”
(Link: Reuters)
ARGENTINA’S HOPED-FOR RECORD CORN HARVEST THREATENED BY SLIDING PRICES -EXCHANGE
A highly anticipated record corn harvest in Argentina could see its benefits curbed by a global decline in prices, the country’s Rosario grains exchange said on Friday, in a possible blow to a new government battling the economy’s worst crisis in decades. Corn exports are expected to rise 53% compared to last season thanks to ample rainfall favoring the harvest estimated at a record 57 million metric tons. Local farmers have benefited from frequent rainfall linked to the weather phenomenon known as El Nino. External sales value, however, should increase just 20% from last season to some $7.66 billion. Falling corn prices could be a blow to the government of libertarian President Javier Milei. The government currently levies a 12% export tax on corn.
(Link: Yahoo Finance)
