Pro Consumidor clears rice brands of harmful metals

Santo Domingo.- The Executive Director of the National Institute for the Protection of Consumer Rights (Pro Consumidor), Eddy Alcántara, announced on Thursday that the initial laboratory studies conducted by the institution on a dozen rice brands sold in the country revealed no presence of harmful metals detrimental to people’s health.

Speaking at a press conference held at the Pro Consumidor headquarters, Alcántara assured that these studies provide assurance that the rice consumed in the Dominican Republic poses no health risks to consumers.

The official elaborated that these laboratory examinations were prompted by complaints appearing in various media outlets alleging contamination of rice with heavy metals like mercury, copper, arsenic, and lead. “However, such concerns have been dispelled by the findings of these studies, which we are disclosing today,” he emphasized in a press release.

Alcántara clarified that the tests encompassed several domestic and imported rice brands sourced from supermarkets, grocery stores, warehouses, and other establishments. “This initial study of the marketed brands in the country ensures peace of mind and food sovereignty,” he added.

As the market surveillance authority, Alcántara affirmed that upon receiving reports from certain media outlets, they promptly collected samples for laboratory analysis. “As soon as we obtained these initial results, we are sharing them with the public,” he affirmed.

He asserted Pro Consumidor’s commitment to conducting further tests on other rice brands available in the national market until a comprehensive review is completed. Alcántara reiterated that if the presence of heavy metals is detected in any other rice brands, the responsible parties will face sanctions, and the product will be removed from the market, in accordance with consumer protection law 358-05.

He underscored that the regulations stipulate that “products and services must be supplied or provided in such a manner that, when consumed or used under normal or foreseeable conditions, they do not pose any danger, harmfulness, or unforeseen risks to the health and safety of the consumer or user.”