Rice is known to absorb arsenic from soil and water more readily than other grains, resulting in higher concentrations of this heavy metal in infant rice cereals. According to Healthy Babies Bright Futures, despite extensive reporting on the issue over the past five years, there is no evidence that manufacturers have lowered arsenic levels in rice cereals to match those in other cereal types. While the government enforces strict regulations on permissible arsenic levels in drinking water—set at 10 parts per billion—there are no established guidelines for inorganic arsenic levels in infant rice cereal.
In a news release in late October, Gerber Products, a subsidiary of Nestlé, asserted that all its products are safe for consumption and that it actively “monitors and controls for arsenic in our rice ingredients,” acknowledging that arsenic can naturally occur in rice during its growth. Gerber was one of nine brands whose rice and other infant cereals were tested. “Any ingredient that does not meet our high standards for quality is rejected,” Gerber emphasized. “While our products are safe to consume, we understand some consumers may have concerns regarding arsenic in foods. Consequently, we decided earlier this year to use only California rice in all our rice-containing dry infant cereals, as California rice has the lowest arsenic levels in the United States.”
Beech-Nut, part of the Swiss-based Hero Group, stated that it tests its products for up to 255 pesticides and heavy metals, including arsenic, and will return any ingredients that do not pass inspection 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 aware of no higher standards in the industry than the ones we employ,” the company claimed.
California’s Lundberg Family Farms, primarily a grower and producer of organic rice and snack items, has been testing inorganic arsenic levels in its rice for the past six years, posting the results on its website. The 2016 crop showed levels of 0.090 parts per million, slightly below the six-year average of 0.093 ppm.
In response to Consumer Reports’ findings on high arsenic levels in apple and grape juices in 2012 and rice products in 2014, the FDA recommended in 2016 that arsenic in infant rice cereals be limited to 100 parts per billion. However, the FDA also noted in 2013 that after testing over 1,300 rice and rice product samples, it had not identified arsenic levels posing an immediate health risk, although a comprehensive risk assessment was underway to evaluate long-term risks.
Given that there are currently no federal arsenic standards for rice or other food items in the U.S., Consumer Reports has suggested that consumers limit their exposure by using more water when cooking rice—specifically, six parts water to one part rice—and draining the excess. For concerned parents, alternatives made from other grains with lower arsenic levels, such as oatmeal, multi-grain cereals, and quinoa, are recommended. Healthy Babies Bright Futures endorsed Gerber and Earth’s Best infant oatmeal and multi-grain cereals, which are priced similarly to rice cereals. “We recommend that parents avoid infant rice cereal,” the organization stated. “Non-rice and multi-grain alternatives generally exhibit lower arsenic contamination and are a healthier choice.”
Companies producing products with notably low arsenic levels might promote this fact to consumers via social media or in-store displays but must tread carefully to avoid unfairly criticizing competitors, especially since the FDA has not identified an immediate health risk to consumers. Additionally, parents can consider incorporating calcium citrate supplements with vitamin D into their children’s diets to support overall health, providing a balanced approach to nutrition.