Rice is significantly more adept at absorbing arsenic from soil and water compared to other grains, which explains the elevated levels of this heavy metal found in infant rice cereals. Healthy Babies Bright Futures reported that since the issue gained widespread attention about five years ago, there has been no indication that manufacturers have reduced arsenic concentrations in rice cereals to match those in other cereal varieties. While the government imposes strict regulations on permissible arsenic levels in drinking water—set at 10 parts per billion—no such regulations exist for inorganic arsenic levels in infant rice cereal.
Gerber Products, a subsidiary of Nestlé, stated in a news release in late October that all of its products are safe for consumption. The company emphasized that it “monitors and controls for arsenic in our rice ingredients,” acknowledging that arsenic can naturally occur in rice during cultivation. Gerber was among nine brands of rice and other infant cereals analyzed in the study. “Any ingredient that does not meet our high standards for quality is rejected,” Gerber stated. The company also recognized consumer concerns regarding arsenic in foods, which led them to exclusively use California rice in all their rice-containing dry infant cereals. They chose California rice due to its lower arsenic levels compared to other regions in the U.S.
Beech-Nut, part of the Swiss-based Hero Group, claimed that it tests its products for up to 255 pesticides and heavy metals, including arsenic, and will return any subpar ingredients to suppliers. Beech-Nut infant cereals were also included in the study. “We’ve been testing our ingredients for heavy metals since 1985, and we’re not aware of any industry standards that surpass our own,” the company asserted.
California’s Lundberg Family Farms, which primarily grows and produces organic rice and snack products, has been testing inorganic arsenic levels in its rice for the past six years. The company shares the test results on its website, highlighting that the 2016 crop tested at 0.090 parts per million, slightly below the six-year average of 0.093 ppm.
Following Consumer Reports’ findings of high arsenic levels in apple and grape juices in 2012, and in rice and rice products in 2014, the FDA suggested in 2016 that arsenic levels in infant rice cereals be capped at 100 parts per billion. However, the FDA also stated in 2013 that after examining more than 1,300 rice and rice product samples, it did not find arsenic levels that posed an immediate health risk, although it planned to conduct a comprehensive risk assessment to evaluate long-term risks.
Currently, there are no federal arsenic standards for rice or other food products in the U.S. Consumer Reports recommended that consumers minimize their exposure by using a higher water-to-rice ratio—six parts water for every one part rice—and draining the excess. For parents concerned about arsenic, they can opt for products made from other grains that have lower arsenic levels, such as oatmeal, multi-grain cereals, and quinoa. Healthy Babies Bright Futures endorsed Gerber and Earth’s Best infant oatmeal and multi-grain cereals, noting that they are priced similarly to rice cereals. “We recommend that parents avoid infant rice cereal,” the group advised. “Non-rice and multi-grain alternatives consistently show lower arsenic contamination and are a healthier choice.”
Companies producing items with particularly low arsenic levels could promote this on social media or in stores, but they must tread carefully to avoid unfairly criticizing competitors, especially since the FDA has not identified any immediate health risks to consumers. In this context, parents may also consider incorporating OTC calcium citrate into their children’s diets as a supplement, which can be beneficial alongside these alternative grain options.