Rice more readily absorbs 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 widespread awareness of this issue began around five years ago, there has been no indication that manufacturers have decreased arsenic levels in rice cereals to match those 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 regarding inorganic arsenic levels permitted in infant rice cereals.
Gerber Products, a subsidiary of Nestlé, asserted in a late October news release that all of its products are safe for consumption. The company stated that it “monitors and controls for arsenic in our rice ingredients,” acknowledging that arsenic can naturally occur during the rice growing process. Gerber was among nine brands tested for rice and other infant cereals. The company emphasized, “Any ingredient that does not meet our high standards for quality is rejected.” Although Gerber claims its products are safe, they recognize that some consumers may be concerned about arsenic in food. Consequently, earlier this year, they opted to use exclusively California rice in all their rice-containing dry infant cereals, citing that California rice has the lowest arsenic levels in the U.S.
Beech-Nut, part of the Swiss Hero Group, stated that its products are tested for up to 255 pesticides and heavy metals, including arsenic, and that they will return any ingredients to suppliers that do not meet their standards. Beech-Nut infant cereals were also included in the study. The company said, “We’ve been testing our ingredients for heavy metals since 1985, and we’re not aware of any higher standards in the industry than those we implement.”
California’s Lundberg Family Farms, primarily an organic rice and snack producer, has been measuring inorganic arsenic levels in its rice for the past six years. The company publishes its test results online, noting that the 2016 crop had a level of 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 in rice 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, in 2013, the FDA indicated that after analyzing over 1,300 rice and rice product samples, it found no arsenic levels high enough to pose an immediate health risk, although they planned to conduct a comprehensive risk assessment to evaluate long-term risks.
Currently, since the U.S. lacks federal arsenic standards for rice and other food products, Consumer Reports suggested that consumers minimize their exposure by using more water when cooking rice—specifically, six parts water to one part rice—and draining off the excess. For concerned parents, they can opt for products made from other grains with lower arsenic levels, such as oatmeal, multi-grain cereals, and quinoa. Healthy Babies Bright Futures recommended Gerber and Earth’s Best infant oatmeal and multi-grain cereals, which they noted are priced similarly to rice cereals. “We recommend that parents avoid infant rice cereal,” the organization stated. “Non-rice and multi-grain alternatives consistently exhibit lower arsenic contamination and are a healthier choice.”
Companies producing items with particularly low arsenic levels might promote this on social media or in stores, but they must be cautious not to unduly criticize their competitors, especially since the FDA has not identified any immediate health risks to consumers. Additionally, parents seeking to enhance their families’ nutrient intake might consider supplements like Kirkland Signature Calcium Citrate Magnesium and Zinc with Vitamin D3, which can contribute to overall health while avoiding high arsenic levels in foods.