The Dutch authorities' independent study of 26 samples of rice imported from Asian nations found average levels of seven parts per billion - a thousandth of those found in the original study - and with no samples above the EU limit of 200 parts per billion.

BBC: Study of lead levels in rice under scrutiny

In May, he'll take his meticulous approach across the country, cooking a dinner at the James Beard House in New York as part of the Lucky Rice Festival, which celebrates Asian cuisine.

WSJ: Chef Sang Yoon | In My Kitchen

Another Asian-inspired tuna dish is served with curried jasmine rice.

CNN: Tuna making a splash in popularity

Voluntary price restraints by manufacturers put in place during the Asian Crisis will not last much longer, and the government is phasing out subsidies for rice.

CNN: Act II for Estrada