Dangerous levels of arsenic found in US rice: What families need to know now
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LOS ANGELES - A new nationwide investigation by Healthy Babies Bright Futures (HBBF) has uncovered widespread contamination in store-bought rice sold in the United States, raising concerns about arsenic and cadmium exposure—especially among infants, toddlers, and pregnant people.
The 2025 report, "What’s in Your Family’s Rice?," found arsenic in every single rice sample tested, with more than 1 in 4 samples exceeding the FDA’s safety limit for infant rice cereal.
Cadmium, another harmful heavy metal, was detected in all but one of the 145 rice samples tested. Both arsenic and cadmium are linked to serious long-term health risks, including neurodevelopmental harm, cancer, kidney damage, and reduced IQ in children.
How contaminated is the rice we eat?
By the numbers:
HBBF’s independent lab tests revealed that contamination levels varied based on the type of rice and where it was grown—not the brand.
- U.S.-grown brown rice had the highest contamination, with 151 parts per billion (ppb) of heavy metals, including 129 ppb of arsenic.
- White rice from the U.S. Southeast, often labeled simply as "USA," measured 118 ppb in total.
- Arborio rice from Italy, commonly used for risotto, measured 142 ppb total (101 ppb arsenic).
- California-grown sushi and Calrose rice had the lowest contamination, at 65 ppb total (55 ppb arsenic).
Although the FDA set a 100 ppb arsenic limit for infant rice cereal, no such limit exists for regular rice products—despite their widespread use in family meals.
Why this matters for young children and pregnant people
Why you should care:
According to the report, rice is a significant dietary source of arsenic for children under 2—accounting for an average of 7.5% of total arsenic exposure. That number jumps to 14% for Hispanic and Latino children, and over 30% for Asian American infants, due to higher rice consumption in these communities.
The report warns that early-life exposure to these contaminants is especially dangerous during pregnancy and infancy, when the brain is most vulnerable. Arsenic and cadmium can cross the placenta and have been linked to reduced IQ, learning difficulties, and behavioral issues later in life.
Which rice types are safer—and which should be limited?
What you can do:
The report highlights several safer options for families:
- California-grown sushi rice or Calrose rice
- Basmati rice from India
- Jasmine rice from Thailand
Precooked products like instant rice, parboiled rice, and ready-to-heat rice may carry additional risks due to toxins created during processing or chemicals leached from plastic packaging.
Instead of focusing on brands, families are advised to look at country of origin and rice variety. Not all packaging lists the origin, so consumers may need to do extra research.
How to cook rice to reduce arsenic
HBBF offers practical tips to significantly reduce arsenic exposure at home:
- Soak rice for 30 minutes or overnight, then drain
- Cook rice in extra water (6 to 10 cups of water per 1 cup of rice), then drain like pasta
- Avoid just rinsing—it does little to reduce arsenic
- Add iron-rich foods, since boiling and draining may reduce added iron in fortified rice
Other protective nutrients—like vitamin C, B vitamins, calcium, zinc, and protein—can help block or reduce the absorption of heavy metals. These are found in foods like leafy greens, beans, yogurt, strawberries, citrus fruits, and lean meats.
Are other grains a better option?
The other side:
The lab also tested nine ancient grains—such as quinoa, barley, millet, buckwheat, and farro—and found they contained 28 times less arsenic than rice, on average. While some had slightly more cadmium, the overall heavy metal load was three times lower than rice.
FILE - A person holds a handful of white rice. A new report from Healthy Babies Bright Futures found that all tested rice samples sold in the US contained arsenic, with many exceeding safety limits set for infant cereals. (Photo by Forrest Anderson/Getty Images)
Families looking to rotate grains or reduce rice intake may find these alternatives helpful for reducing long-term exposure.
What needs to change at the federal level?
What's next:
HBBF calls on the FDA and industry to take urgent action, including:
- Setting enforceable limits for arsenic and cadmium in all rice—not just baby food
- Encouraging clear labeling for products that meet infant safety standards
- Requiring regular testing and public posting of heavy metal levels in rice products
The report emphasizes that these are achievable goals with powerful health benefits, especially for communities most affected by high rice consumption.
"Parents shouldn’t have to worry that a common first food like rice could carry hidden risks," said Jane Houlihan, HBBF’s National Director of Science and Health. "This study is a wake-up call—but it’s also full of hope. With just a few changes in the kitchen and stronger rules from the FDA, we can dramatically lower children’s exposure to harmful metals."
The Source: This article is based entirely on the 2025 report "What’s in Your Family’s Rice?" by Healthy Babies Bright Futures (HBBF). All data, quotes, and recommendations are sourced directly from the report and its publicly available consumer guides, which include laboratory results, exposure analysis, and cooking safety tips. The full report is available on the HBBF website.