Eko Hot Blog reports that A recent study by the University of Michigan uncovered alarming levels of arsenic and cadmium in rice shipments from the United States to Haiti, a revelation with dire health implications for Haitians who heavily rely on this imported staple.
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Imported rice, flooding Haiti’s markets due to its affordability compared to locally grown alternatives, was found to contain nearly double the concentrations of arsenic and cadmium compared to Haitian-grown rice. Some samples even surpassed international safety limits, posing significant health risks, including increased chances of cancer and heart disease.
Former U.S. President Bill Clinton, who once supported subsidies for U.S. rice exports to Haiti, now admits this policy was a “mistake,” acknowledging its detrimental impact on local rice production. The dominance of imported rice in Haiti, attributed to lower import tariffs and historical political unrest, raises concerns about the nation’s food security and long-term health outcomes.
With Haitians consuming an average of 85 kg of rice per year—seven times more than the U.S. average—urgent action is needed to address this crisis.
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The report calls for ethical scrutiny of U.S. rice exporters, measures to revitalize Haiti’s agricultural sector, and immediate improvements to food safety regulations to safeguard public health.
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