Reduction effects of isoprothiolane during rice washing and cooking

This study used gas chromatography combined with the microelectron capture detection method to determine the most effective washing and cooking methods for removing isoprothiolane from rice. The initial isoprothiolane concentrations in brown and polished rice, before washing, were 17.03 mg/kg and 1.67 mg/kg, respectively. Residual concentrations declined with more washing cycles (19.3-59.3% for brown rice; 43.1-66.5% for polished rice); and by increasing the temperature of the washing water from 5°C to 40°C (56.6-63.1% for brown rice; 67.1-74.9% for polished rice). Hand-washing samples using gentle stirring or harsh rubbing reduced pesticide concentrations by 63.1-71.6% for brown rice, versus 75.4-87.4% for polished rice. Reduction in isoprothiolane concentrations varied based on the rice cooker type and whether the rice was pre-soaked. Immediate cooking using an electric- or pressure-cooker showed 78.5% and 78.4% reduction in brown rice, compared with 94.0% and 94.0% for polished rice, respectively. Pre-cooking immersion for 30 min showed similar reductions of 83.4% and 83.4% in brown rice, versus 95.8% and 95.8% in polished rice. The results of this study suggest that the most effective method for removing residual isoprothiolane from both brown rice and polished rice was to wash six times (with vigorous rubbing during the 2nd and 3rd washing) in 7-fold water at 40°C, followed by immersion for 30 min before cooking. Regardless of the type of rice cooker, heating is sufficient to remove an average of 83.4% and 95.8% of isoprothiolane from brown rice and polished rice, respectively.