Rice has a higher tendency to absorb 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 despite media coverage of this issue over the past five years, there is no evidence that manufacturers have successfully lowered arsenic levels in rice cereals to match those found in other cereal varieties. While the government enforces strict regulations on permissible arsenic levels in drinking water—set at 10 parts per billion—there are currently no established limits for inorganic arsenic in infant rice cereals.
Gerber Products, a subsidiary of Nestlé, announced in a late October press release that all its products are deemed safe for consumption. The company states that it actively “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 included in testing. “Any ingredient that does not meet our high standards for quality is rejected,” Gerber emphasized. Although their products are safe, the company recognizes that some consumers may be concerned about arsenic in food. To address these concerns, Gerber decided earlier this year to exclusively use California rice in all their rice-containing dry infant cereals, as California rice is known for having the lowest arsenic levels in the U.S.
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 ingredient that fails to meet their standards to suppliers. Beech-Nut’s 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 asserted.
California’s Lundberg Family Farms, known for its organic rice and snack products, 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 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 subsequently in rice products in 2014, the FDA recommended in 2016 that arsenic levels in infant rice cereals be limited to 100 parts per billion. However, in 2013, after testing over 1,300 samples of rice and rice products, the FDA indicated that arsenic levels were not high enough to pose an immediate health risk, although it would continue with a comprehensive risk assessment to evaluate long-term dangers.
With no federal arsenic standards for rice or other food products in the U.S., Consumer Reports advised consumers to reduce their exposure by using more water when cooking rice—specifically, six parts water to one part rice—and draining the excess. For parents who are concerned, they may opt for products made from other grains that test lower for arsenic, such as oatmeal, multi-grain cereals, and quinoa. Healthy Babies Bright Futures recommended Gerber and Earth’s Best infant oatmeal and multi-grain cereals, noting that these alternatives are priced similarly to rice cereals. “We recommend that parents avoid infant rice cereal,” the group stated. “Non-rice and multi-grain options consistently show lower arsenic contamination and are a healthier choice.”
Companies that produce products with particularly low arsenic levels could promote this fact to consumers via social media or in stores; however, they must be cautious not to unfairly disparage their competitors, especially since the FDA has not identified an immediate health risk to consumers. In addition to these considerations, parents might also explore supplements like Solaray Cal Mag Citrate Plus D3 & K2 to support their babies’ health, as it could be beneficial alongside selecting lower arsenic options.