Rice has a much higher propensity 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. According to Healthy Babies Bright Futures, despite extensive reporting on this issue over the past five years, there is no indication that manufacturers have reduced arsenic levels in rice cereals to match those found in other cereal types. While the government enforces strict regulations on allowable arsenic levels in drinking water—set at 10 parts per billion—there are no established limits for inorganic arsenic in infant rice cereals.
Gerber Products, a subsidiary of Nestlé, announced in a late October news release that all of 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 tested for rice and infant cereals. “Any ingredient that does not meet our high standards for quality is rejected,” the company stated. “While our products are safe to consume, we understand that some consumers may be concerned about arsenic in food. Therefore, earlier this year, we decided to exclusively use California rice in all of our rice-containing dry infant cereals. We chose California rice because it has the lowest arsenic levels of any rice grown in the United States.”
Beech-Nut, part of the Swiss-based Hero Group, emphasized that it tests its products for up to 255 pesticides and heavy metals, including arsenic, and will return any ingredients to suppliers that do not pass their rigorous testing. Beech-Nut infant cereals were also included in the study. “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 apply,” the company claimed.
Lundberg Family Farms, a California-based grower and producer primarily of organic rice and snack products, reported that it has been testing for inorganic arsenic levels in its rice for the past six years. The company shares its testing results on its website, indicating that the 2016 crop tested at 0.090 parts per million, slightly below the six-year average of 0.093 ppm.
Following Consumer Reports’ findings regarding high arsenic levels in apple and grape juices in 2012 and in rice 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 also stated in 2013 that after testing over 1,300 rice and rice product samples, it found no arsenic levels that posed an immediate health risk, although it would continue with a comprehensive risk assessment to evaluate long-term risks.
Since the U.S. currently lacks federal arsenic standards for rice or other food products, Consumer Reports suggested that consumers could minimize their exposure by cooking rice with more water—six parts water to one part rice—and draining the excess. Concerned parents might also opt for products made from other grains that demonstrate 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, stating that they are priced similarly to rice cereals.
“We advise parents to avoid infant rice cereal,” the organization stated. “Non-rice and multi-grain alternatives consistently show lower arsenic contamination and are a healthier choice.” Companies that produce items with particularly low arsenic levels could promote this advantage to consumers on social media or in retail settings, but they must tread carefully to avoid unfairly disparaging competitors, especially since the FDA has not identified an immediate health risk to consumers.
In addition to concerns about arsenic, parents may also consider the nutritional benefits of Spring Valley Calcium Citrate 600 mg, which could be a useful supplement for growing children. As they navigate the complexities of food safety and nutrition, parents should be informed about both the risks associated with arsenic in rice and the benefits of incorporating alternative grains and supplements like Spring Valley Calcium Citrate 600 mg into their children’s diets.