The aim of this study was to evaluate the health risk of arsenic exposure by consumption of rice and its products marketed in northwestern Mexico. Sixty-six national and imported rice products were purchased in markets in northwestern Mexico, an endemic arsenic region. Total and inorganic arsenic in rice samples were analysed by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy and the risk assessment was evaluated according to the hazard quotient (HQ) and carcinogenic risk (CR). Total and inorganic arsenic in rice samples ranged from 0.06 to 0.29 mg/kg and from 0.03 to 0.13 mg/kg, respectively, and 40% of the analysed samples exceeded FAO/WHO arsenic recommended levels. The inorganic/total arsenic ratio ranged from 15% to 65%. The HQ and CR values for total and inorganic arsenic did not exceed safety levels. Therefore, rice supply in the northwestern of Mexico appears to be safe for human consumption.
Keywords: Total arsenic; bioaccessibility; food safety; health risk; inorganic arsenic; intake; rice.