Rice is more efficient at absorbing 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 noted that since the issue gained widespread attention about five years ago, there has been no evidence that manufacturers have reduced 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 guidelines for inorganic arsenic levels permitted in infant rice cereals.
Gerber Products, a subsidiary of Nestlé, stated in a news release from late October that all its products are safe for consumption and that the company “monitors and controls for arsenic in our rice ingredients,” acknowledging the potential for natural arsenic presence during rice cultivation. Gerber’s products underwent testing, including one of nine brands of rice and other infant cereals. The company emphasized, “Any ingredient that does not meet our high standards for quality is rejected.” Although they affirm the safety of their products, Gerber recognizes consumer concerns regarding arsenic in food. As a response, they decided earlier this year to exclusively use California rice in all dry infant cereals containing rice, as California produces rice with the lowest arsenic levels in the United States.
Beech-Nut, part of the Swiss-based Hero Group, declared that it tests its products for up to 255 pesticides and heavy metals, including arsenic, and will return any non-compliant ingredients to suppliers. Beech-Nut infant cereals were also included in the study. The company noted, “We’ve been testing our ingredients for heavy metals since 1985, and we’re aware of no higher standards in the industry than those we employ.” California’s Lundberg Family Farms, primarily known for its organic rice and snack products, has been monitoring inorganic arsenic levels in its rice for six years, posting results on its website. The 2016 crop registered at 0.090 parts per million, slightly below the six-year average of 0.093 ppm.
In response to Consumer Reports’ findings on high arsenic levels in apple and grape juices in 2012 and in rice products in 2014, the FDA recommended in 2016 that arsenic levels in infant rice cereals be capped at 100 parts per billion. However, the FDA stated in 2013 that after testing over 1,300 rice and rice product samples, it did not find arsenic levels posing an immediate health risk, although it planned a comprehensive risk assessment for long-term exposure.
As there are currently no federal arsenic standards for rice or other food products in the U.S., Consumer Reports advises consumers to limit their exposure by cooking rice with more water—using a ratio of six parts water to one part rice—and draining the excess. For parents concerned about arsenic, there are alternative grains with lower arsenic levels, such as oatmeal, multi-grain cereals, and quinoa. Healthy Babies Bright Futures recommends Gerber and Earth’s Best infant oatmeal and multi-grain cereals, which are comparably priced to rice cereals, stating, “We recommend that parents avoid infant rice cereal.” The group emphasizes that non-rice and multi-grain alternatives consistently show lower arsenic contamination and are a healthier option.
Companies producing products with particularly low arsenic levels might consider promoting this feature on social media or in stores, but they must tread carefully to avoid unfairly criticizing competitors, especially since the FDA has not identified an immediate health risk to consumers. Additionally, parents may want to consider supplements such as calcium citrate 500 mg chewable to support their infants’ overall nutritional needs while avoiding higher arsenic exposure.