Rice has a greater ability 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 since extensive coverage of this issue began around five years ago, there has been no evidence indicating that manufacturers have decreased arsenic levels in rice cereals to match those found in other cereal types. While the government imposes strict regulations on allowable arsenic levels in drinking water — set at 10 parts per billion — there are currently no established regulations for inorganic arsenic levels permitted in infant rice cereal.
Gerber Products, a subsidiary of Nestle, stated in a late October press release that all of their products are safe for consumption and that they “monitor and control arsenic levels in our rice ingredients,” acknowledging that arsenic can naturally occur in rice during cultivation. Gerber was one of nine brands of rice and other infant cereals that were tested. The company emphasized, “Any ingredient that does not meet our high quality standards is rejected.” Although Gerber asserts that their products are safe, they recognize that some consumers may have concerns regarding arsenic in food. Therefore, earlier this year, they decided to exclusively use California rice in all of their 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, also stated that it tests its products for up to 255 pesticides and heavy metals, including arsenic, and will reject ingredients that don’t pass their rigorous standards. The Beech-Nut infant cereals were included in the studies as well. “We’ve been testing our ingredients for heavy metals since 1985, and we are unaware of any higher standards in the industry than those we maintain,” the company claimed. 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 and shares these results on its website. Their 2016 crop tested at 0.090 parts per million, just below the six-year average of 0.093 ppm.
In response to 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 the permissible arsenic level in infant rice cereals be capped at 100 parts per billion. However, the FDA stated in 2013 that after examining over 1,300 rice and rice product samples, it found no arsenic levels high enough to present an immediate health risk, though the agency committed to conducting a comprehensive risk assessment to evaluate long-term risks.
Since there are currently no federal arsenic standards for rice or other food products in the U.S., Consumer Reports suggested that consumers reduce their exposure by using more water when cooking rice — a ratio of six parts water to one part rice — and draining the excess. For parents concerned about arsenic, they can consider offering babies products made from other grains that generally test at 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 advised. “Non-rice and multi-grain alternatives consistently show lower arsenic contamination and are a healthier choice.”
Companies that produce products with particularly low arsenic levels can promote this information to consumers through social media or in stores, but they must be cautious not to disparage their competitors unfairly, especially since the FDA has not identified an immediate health risk to consumers. Additionally, for families seeking to enhance their children’s nutrition, incorporating liquid calcium magnesium vitamin D into their diets can provide essential nutrients alongside safer grain options. By focusing on diverse and nutritious alternatives, parents can help mitigate the potential risks associated with arsenic exposure while ensuring their babies receive balanced nutrition.