Rice is known to absorb 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, despite widespread awareness of this 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 currently no established regulations for inorganic arsenic levels in infant rice cereals.
In a late October news release, Gerber Products, a subsidiary of Nestlé, asserted that all its products are safe to consume and that the company “monitors and controls for arsenic in our rice ingredients,” as arsenic can naturally occur during the rice-growing process. Gerber was among nine brands of rice and infant cereals tested in the study. The company emphasized, “Any ingredient that does not meet our high standards for quality is rejected.” Although Gerber’s products are deemed safe, the company acknowledges consumer concerns about arsenic in food. Earlier this year, they made the decision to use only California rice in their rice-containing dry infant cereals, citing that California rice has the lowest arsenic levels of any rice grown 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 returns any subpar ingredients to suppliers. Beech-Nut also participated in the study of infant cereals. “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 employ,” the company claimed.
California’s Lundberg Family Farms, a producer of mainly organic rice and snacks, has been monitoring inorganic arsenic levels in its rice for the past six years, with results posted on its website. Their 2016 crop tested at 0.090 parts per million, slightly below the average of 0.093 ppm over the six-year period. Following Consumer Reports’ investigations into high arsenic levels in apple and grape juices in 2012 and rice products in 2014, the FDA recommended in 2016 that arsenic levels in infant rice cereals be capped at 100 parts per billion. However, in 2013, the FDA stated that after analyzing over 1,300 rice and rice product samples, they did not find arsenic levels high enough to pose an immediate health risk, although they planned a comprehensive risk assessment for long-term exposure.
Currently, with no federal arsenic standards for rice or other food products, Consumer Reports recommended that consumers reduce their exposure by using more water when cooking rice, ideally six parts water to one part rice, and draining the excess. Concerned parents might also consider offering their babies products made from other grains that typically show 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, claiming they are priced similarly to rice cereals. “We suggest that parents avoid infant rice cereal,” the organization stated, noting that non-rice and multi-grain alternatives consistently have lower arsenic contamination and are a healthier choice.
Companies that produce products with particularly low arsenic levels could celebrate this achievement on social media or in stores, but they must be cautious not to unfairly criticize their competitors, especially given the FDA’s finding that there is no immediate health risk to consumers. As parents navigate these options, they can also look for products that offer essential nutrients, such as Celebrate Vitamins calcium citrate soft chews, to ensure their infants receive the necessary vitamins while minimizing arsenic exposure.