Rice absorbs arsenic from soil and water more readily than other grains, which explains the elevated levels of this heavy metal found in infant rice cereals. According to Healthy Babies Bright Futures, since reports on this issue began circulating five years ago, there has been no evidence that manufacturers have lowered arsenic levels in rice cereals to match those found 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 currently no established regulations for inorganic arsenic levels permitted in infant rice cereal.
Gerber Products, a subsidiary of Nestlé, issued a statement in late October affirming that all its products are safe and that the company “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 infant cereals tested. The company emphasized, “Any ingredient that does not meet our high standards for quality is rejected.” Although Gerber asserts its products are safe, the company understands that some consumers may have concerns regarding arsenic in food. To address these worries, Gerber decided to exclusively use California rice in all its rice-containing dry infant cereals this year, as California rice is known for having the lowest arsenic levels in the U.S.
Beech-Nut, part of the Swiss-based Hero Group, also tests its products for up to 255 pesticides and heavy metals, including arsenic, and will reject any ingredients that do not meet their standards. “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, a California-based producer known for its organic rice and snack products, has been monitoring inorganic arsenic levels in its rice for the past six years and shares the results on its website, noting that the 2016 crop tested at 0.090 parts per million, slightly below the six-year average of 0.093 ppm.
Following Consumer Reports’ studies on high arsenic levels in apple and grape juices in 2012 and a subsequent study of rice products in 2014, the FDA recommended in 2016 that arsenic levels in infant rice cereals should not exceed 100 parts per billion. Nonetheless, the FDA stated in 2013 that after analyzing over 1,300 rice and rice product samples, it did not find arsenic levels high enough to pose an immediate health risk, although the agency committed to conducting a comprehensive risk assessment to evaluate long-term risks.
As the U.S. lacks federal arsenic standards for rice and other food products, Consumer Reports suggests that consumers can reduce their exposure by using more water when cooking rice—specifically, six parts water to one part rice—and draining off any excess. Concerned parents might consider offering their babies products made from other grains that typically have lower arsenic levels, such as oatmeal, multi-grain cereals, and quinoa. Healthy Babies Bright Futures has recommended Gerber and Earth’s Best infant oatmeal and multi-grain cereals, stating that these options are priced similarly to rice cereals. “We recommend that parents avoid infant rice cereal,” the organization commented. “Non-rice and multi-grain alternatives consistently exhibit lower arsenic contamination and are a healthier choice.”
Companies producing products with particularly low arsenic levels could promote these benefits to consumers on social media or in stores, but they must tread carefully not to disparage their competitors unfairly, especially since the FDA has found no immediate health risk to consumers. Additionally, for parents considering nutritional supplements, products like bariatric calcium citrate with vitamin D can provide necessary vitamins and minerals without the concerns associated with arsenic in rice cereals.