Arsenic and Cadmium in Store-Bought Rice Worrying Health Experts

Strategic Insights -

A report by the organization Healthy Babies, Bright Futures found that samples of store-bought rice from over 100 brands in the US contain high levels of arsenic and cadmium, which can have serious health consequences, especially for young children. The report, which analyzed rice purchased in the US, found that one in four samples exceeded the levels of inorganic arsenic set by the FDA in 2021 for infant rice cereal. Heavy metal contamination in children is especially concerning, as early-life exposures can lead to reduced IQ and cognitive and behavioral problems.

Key Takeaways:

  • One in four samples of rice purchased in the US exceeded the levels of inorganic arsenic set by the FDA in 2021 for infant rice cereal.
  • Arsenic and cadmium have been linked to serious health harms, including diabetes, developmental delays, reproductive toxicity, and heart disease.
  • Healthy Babies, Bright Futures' report found that for children aged 0-2, rice accounts for 7.5% of arsenic exposure, and for Hispanic and Latino children, that level rises to 14%.
  • Brown and wild rice often contain high levels of arsenic due to the milling process used to create white rice.
  • Rice type and growing region matter, with brown and wild rice containing higher levels of arsenic than white rice.
  • Cooking rice like pasta and draining excess water can remove up to 60% of arsenic.
  • Rinsing rice before cooking does not remove arsenic.
  • Fortified iron added to rice is lost when it is boiled and drained.
  • Other nutrients, such as B vitamins, calcium, zinc, and vitamin C, can help reduce the body's absorption of contaminants or speed up their excretion.

Statistics:

  • One in four samples of rice purchased in the US exceeded the levels of inorganic arsenic set by the FDA in 2021 for infant rice cereal.
  • Average levels of arsenic in purchased rice samples were 142 parts per billion (ppb).
  • Arborio rice from Italy contained 101 parts per billion of arsenic.
  • White rice grown in the US contained 95 parts per billion of arsenic.
  • California-grown rice had the lowest overall heavy metal content, with 65 ppb of arsenic.
  • Precooked rice, including instant and ready-to-eat packaged rice, was shown to contain higher levels of arsenic than other types of rice.

Sources:

  • Healthy Babies, Bright Futures' report on arsenic and cadmium in store-bought rice.
  • US FDA guidelines on arsenic in infant rice cereal.
  • Environmental Working Group's report on heavy metals in food.
  • CNN article on arsenic and cadmium in store-bought rice.
  • US Department of Health and Human Services' statement on chemicals in the food supply.
  • American Academy of Pediatrics' guidelines on early-life exposures to toxic chemicals.