WASHINGTON, D.C. — A new report from the nonprofit organization Healthy Babies, Bright Futures has revealed that rice sold in U.S. grocery stores may contain harmful levels of toxic metals, including arsenic, cadmium, lead, and mercury. The study found that arsenic was present in 100% of 145 rice samples tested from stores nationwide.
The organization’s report highlights the potential dangers of long-term exposure to these metals, which can contribute to serious health risks like cancer, developmental harm, and IQ loss. According to the World Health Organization, arsenic exposure from food and water can lead to skin lesions and an increased risk of cancer.
The study, which tested over 100 rice brands from 20 U.S. cities, showed that arsenic was the most prevalent contaminant, followed by cadmium. In particular, one in four rice samples exceeded the federal limit for arsenic in infant rice cereal, though no such limit currently exists for rice itself. Cadmium was found in nearly every sample, with some showing elevated levels.
Rice Varieties and Their Contaminant Levels
The study also revealed significant variations in contaminant levels based on rice type and region. Brown rice grown in the southeastern U.S. had the highest average levels of heavy metals, especially arsenic. In contrast, rice grown in California, as well as Thai jasmine and Indian basmati rice, generally contained lower levels of heavy metals.
Arborio rice from Italy and basmati rice from India had the highest levels of cadmium. Lead and mercury were detected in much smaller amounts.
Industry Response
Michael Klein, spokesperson for the USA Rice Federation, responded to the findings by emphasizing that American-grown rice has some of the lowest levels of inorganic arsenic in the world. While acknowledging the presence of arsenic, Klein argued that the levels found in rice are below FDA guidelines and do not pose a public health risk. He also noted that arsenic is naturally occurring in soil and affects all crops grown in the ground.
However, the report’s authors argue that the FDA should establish enforceable limits on arsenic in all rice, not just infant cereal, to better protect consumers, especially young children. Healthy Babies, Bright Futures recommends practical steps families can take to reduce exposure, such as cooking rice with extra water and draining it, choosing grains like quinoa or barley, and opting for lower-arsenic rice varieties.
Call for Action
Research director Jane Houlihan urged the FDA to take stronger action on regulating arsenic in rice. “We hope families come away with simple, practical steps they can take right now to reduce exposure,” she said, stressing the need for clearer and stricter regulations to protect public health.
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