ACOG Statement on the FDA's Updated Guidance on Arsenic in Rice

Washington, DC—Mark S. DeFrancesco, MD, MBA, President of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), released the following statement regarding the FDA's updated guidance on arsenic in rice and rice products:

"ACOG thanks the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for its thoughtful analysis of arsenic in rice and rice products and its potential health impact.

"ACOG guidance will remain the same: ob-gyns should continue to advise women to eat a variety of whole grains. For pregnant women, half of their grains should consist of whole grains.

"In response to the FDA's new information, ob-gyns should be prepared to counsel women who are planning a pregnancy, who are pregnant, or who have infants regarding levels of inorganic arsenic found in various rice products and the need for a balanced diet.

"We will continue to monitor information on this issue as it emerges, and we look forward to submitting public comment."

For more information, please visit ACOG's FAQ: Nutrition During Pregnancy.

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (The College), a 501(c)(3) organization, is the nation's leading group of physicians providing health care for women. As a private, voluntary, nonprofit membership organization of approximately 58,000 members, The College strongly advocates for quality health care for women, maintains the highest standards of clinical practice and continuing education of its members, promotes patient education, and increases awareness among its members and the public of the changing issues facing women’s health care. The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), a 501(c)(6) organization, is its companion organization. www.acog.org