RIYADH, 13 February - The Commerce Ministry yesterday lifted a temporary ban slapped on US rice after laboratory tests showed the rice was free of lead contamination.
The ministry had imposed the ban on the sale of the rice two weeks ago following reports that it was contaminated with high concentrations of lead, making it hazardous to humans.
"Laboratory test results have shown the rice to be fit forhuman consumption and compatible with approved international standards and specifications," the ministry said in a statement.
As a result, the ministry instructed the laboratories and other concerned authorities to release all quantities of US rice that had been kept off the shelves.
The ministry said authorities examined a total of 16 samples of the US rice including five packages selected randomly from the market.
Reacting to the lifting of the ban, a statement released by the US Rice Federation said, "US-grown rice has a worldwide reputation for quality and safety. Technology can now detect minute traces of naturally occurring substances in crops."
The US Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) has not established a lead standard for rice in recognition of the minimal risk posed for consumers, the statement added.
