The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has identified health risks of dietary exposure to dimethylarsinic acid (DMA), a small organic arsenic species in food. The outcomes of the new scientific opinion gives the European Commission a scientific basis for potentially setting maximum levels for small organic arsenic species in food.

Small organic arsenic species are compounds that contain methyl groups—but no other organic groups—bound to arsenic. Monomethylarsonic acid V (MMA[V]) and dimethylarsinic acid V (DMA[V]) are the most abundant of these compounds in food. The highest concentrations are found in rice, algae, and seafood.