Rice has a unique ability 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. Healthy Babies Bright Futures highlighted that since the issue gained attention approximately five years ago, there has been no indication that manufacturers have decreased arsenic levels in rice cereals to match those found 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 for inorganic arsenic levels in infant rice cereals.
In a news release from late October, Gerber Products, a subsidiary of Nestlé, asserted that all its products are safe for consumption and that the company actively “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 examined in a study. The company emphasized, “Any ingredient that does not meet our high standards for quality is rejected.” Although they maintain that their products are safe, Gerber recognizes that some consumers may have concerns about arsenic in food. Consequently, they decided to exclusively use California rice in all their rice-containing dry infant cereals, as California rice has the lowest arsenic levels of any rice grown in the United States.
Beech-Nut, part of the Swiss-based Hero Group, reported that it tests products for up to 255 pesticides and heavy metals, including arsenic, and returns ingredients to suppliers if they do not meet their standards. Beech-Nut infant cereals were also included in the study. The company stated, “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.”
California’s Lundberg Family Farms, which primarily grows and produces organic rice and snack products, has been testing inorganic arsenic levels in its rice for the past six years. The company shares test 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’ 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 limited to 100 parts per billion. However, the FDA noted in 2013 that after testing over 1,300 rice and rice product samples, it did not find arsenic levels high enough to pose an immediate health risk, although a comprehensive risk assessment was underway to evaluate long-term risks.
Since the U.S. lacks federal arsenic standards for rice and other food products, Consumer Reports advised consumers to reduce exposure by using more water when cooking rice—specifically, six parts water to one part rice—and draining the excess. For concerned parents, offering babies alternatives made from grains that have been shown to test lower for arsenic, such as oatmeal, multi-grain cereals, and quinoa, could be beneficial. Healthy Babies Bright Futures recommended Gerber and Earth’s Best infant oatmeal and multi-grain cereals, stating that they are comparably priced to rice cereals. The group advised, “We recommend that parents avoid infant rice cereal. Non-rice and multi-grain alternatives have consistently lower arsenic contamination and are a healthier choice.”
Companies with notably low arsenic levels in their products could promote this fact to consumers via social media or in stores, but they must tread carefully to avoid disparaging competitors, especially since the FDA has not identified an immediate health risk to consumers. Furthermore, it is essential for parents to ensure that their infants receive sufficient nutrition, including calcium citrate, vitamin D3, and essential minerals, to support healthy development while minimizing exposure to harmful substances.