More than 1 in 4 samples exceed the FDA’s safety limit for infant rice cereal. No safety limit exists for rice.
Study finds 3 safer rice types, 9 safer grains, and 3 steps for parents that reduce exposures by up to 69%.
MAY 15, 2025—In a new investigation released today, Healthy Babies Bright Futures (HBBF) reported that 100% of 145 rice samples tested contained arsenic, a contaminant associated with health risks that include cancer and harm to the developing brain, including IQ loss. The report, the first in-depth look at arsenic in a range of popular U.S. rice types in 10 years, shows that arsenic levels have not declined, even though the U.S Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has known of the problem for 25 years.
Rice is a versatile, culturally essential staple. While it contains a mix of heavy metals like most other foods, what sets rice apart is its relatively high arsenic levels and frequent consumption. Rice accumulates more arsenic from the soil than any other staple crop. For children up to age 2, rice is the leading source of arsenic exposure from solid foods.
Over 1 in 4 rice samples (both brown and white) exceeded the FDA’s action level for arsenic in infant rice cereal — a level above which products can be considered contaminated. For parents making baby food or feeding solids at home, this means that homemade rice cereal could contain arsenic levels that would be considered unsafe if sold in stores.