That depends on the source of the rice. Rice growing is among one of the most heavily dosed with pesticides crops grown in the world, even though there is ample evidence that they grow better, with higher yields, organically. If you can find a good supply of organically grown rice you may well have a good mulch material.

I wouldn't use anything treated with an anti-bac in the garden. And I doubt in that state there are that many organic rice farmers so there might be a slight risk of residual goop, but the anti-bac is the thing that would keep me from using them.

Dan

Based on your question I did a long search trying to figure out (1)what antibacterial/drying agents are added to the rice hulls and (2)how do the manufacturers of this product suggest disposal when it is removed as animal bedding? I could not find an answer to either question. I am not comfortable with the thought of using treated rice hulls on edible gardens. Will check to see if this bedding product is being used in this area by our throughbred and polo horse farms.

I used a mix of potting soil and rice hulls for a blueberry potting mix. The ricehulls came in large heavy plastic bales and were parboiled. I assumed that the parboiling was to eliminate anything living in the hulls and give them a washing? They worked well to drain the potted soil. How is this for bedding? Does it absorb the urine?

Luke