A Survey Study on Cadmium Content of Exported Thai Rice

Abstract

A study on cadmium content of exported rice products was conducted during August 1993 to December 1994 by the Division of Food-for-Export Analysis, Department of Medical Science. One hundred and thirty five exported samples were under investigation. They were classified as 35 Thai fragrant 100% rice samples. Sample digestion was carried out in a microwave digestion oven. Cadmium was quantitatively analyzed by flame atomic absorption spectrometry with the mean levels of 0.02,0.02,0.01 and 0.03 mg/kg; and standard deviations were 0.01,0.01,0.01 and 0.03 mg/kg respectively. The accuracy of the test method verified by using certified reference material (CRM) obtained from Environment Agency, National Institute for Environmental Studies, Japan was 82.6% at the cadmium concentration of 0.023 mg/kg. The results of the study showed that cadmium content of Thai rice consignments destined for international market during August 1993 to December 1994 were well within the Codex draft guideline level of 0.1 mg/kg.