Aflatoxins, fungal poisons known to cause liver cancer, were found in 5 out of 88 rice samples purchased at markets in Seoul. Although the contaminants can be found in other geographical locations, they pose a distinct threat to those who regularly consume rice. In order to keep the rice-based East Asian diet down to safe aflatoxin levels, scientists are searching for the best way to purify the rice.

A team of scientists report that pressure-cooking appears to be the most efficient method, reducing aflatoxins to 12 to 22 percent of those found in the uncooked rice, a range considered safe by health experts. Simply washing the rice can significantly decrease toxin levels. Food tainted with the Aspergillus fungi, which produce aflatoxins, does not have to be avoided. In fact, American dietary staples such as peanuts, corn, and milk, have the highest aflatoxin concentrations in the U.S., though studies show that levels have fallen in recent years. The Southeastern U.S. has seen the highest contamination levels in the country. Liver cancer is ten percent more common in this region than elsewhere in the U.S.

The team is preparing to do research on other cleansing and growing methods.

Source: 1. Raloff, Janet. "Putting the Pressure on Poisons". Science News. 15 April 2006 .
2. Ball, Jeff. "Understanding and Preventing Aflatoxin Poisoning". The Samuel Roberts Nobel Foundation. November 1998 .