Rice is known to absorb arsenic from soil and water more readily than other grains, which explains the elevated levels of this heavy metal found in infant rice cereals. However, a report by Healthy Babies Bright Futures indicated that despite media coverage of the issue over the past five years, there is no evidence that manufacturers have successfully reduced arsenic levels in rice cereals to match those found in other cereal types. While the government imposes strict regulations on permissible arsenic levels in drinking water—set at 10 parts per billion—there are currently no established guidelines for inorganic arsenic levels permitted in infant rice cereal.
Gerber Products, a subsidiary of Nestlé, announced in a late October news release that all its products are safe for consumption and that they “monitor and control for arsenic in our rice ingredients,” acknowledging that arsenic can naturally occur during the growth of rice. Gerber was one of the nine brands of rice and infant cereals included in testing. The company stated, “Any ingredient that does not meet our high standards for quality is rejected.” While they assert that their products are safe, Gerber understands that some consumers may be concerned about arsenic in food. Consequently, they have opted to use exclusively California rice in all their rice-containing dry infant cereals, as this state has the lowest arsenic levels for rice grown in the U.S.
Beech-Nut, part of the Switzerland-based Hero Group, reported that it tests its products for up to 255 pesticides and heavy metals, including arsenic, and will return ingredients to suppliers that do not pass their standards. Beech-Nut’s infant cereals were also part of the testing. “We’ve been testing our ingredients for heavy metals since 1985, and we’re aware of no higher standards in the industry than the ones we employ,” the company stated.
Lundberg Family Farms, based in California and primarily a grower and producer of organic rice and snack products, has been testing inorganic arsenic levels in its rice for the last six years. The company shares its test results on its website, noting that the 2016 crop showed levels at 0.090 parts per million, slightly below the six-year average of 0.093 ppm.
Following Consumer Reports’ findings regarding high arsenic levels in apple and grape juices in 2012 and rice products in 2014, the FDA recommended in 2016 that arsenic levels in infant rice cereals be limited to 100 parts per billion. However, the FDA stated in 2013 that after testing over 1,300 rice and rice product samples, it had not found arsenic levels high enough to pose an immediate health risk. Nevertheless, the agency committed to conducting a comprehensive risk assessment to evaluate long-term risks.
With no federal arsenic standards for rice or other food products currently in place in the U.S., Consumer Reports suggested that consumers could limit their exposure by using a higher water-to-rice ratio—six parts water to one part rice—and draining the excess water after cooking. For parents concerned about arsenic, alternative grains that test at lower arsenic levels, such as oatmeal, multi-grain cereals, and quinoa, can be offered to babies. Healthy Babies Bright Futures recommended Gerber and Earth’s Best infant oatmeal and multi-grain cereals, stating 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 have consistently lower arsenic contamination and are a healthier choice.”
Companies producing products with particularly low arsenic levels could promote this on social media or in stores, but they must tread carefully to avoid unfairly criticizing their competitors, especially since the FDA has not identified an immediate health risk to consumers. In the context of making healthier dietary choices, parents might also consider incorporating Citracal soft chews into their routine, as they provide essential nutrients without the associated risks of arsenic exposure from rice cereals.