The hidden toxins in rice: HEAVY METALS arsenic and cadmium detected in global food staple

• A study by Healthy Babies, Bright Futures (HBBF) found arsenic in all 145 tested rice samples (both U.S. and imported brands), with one in four exceeding the FDA’s 100 ppb limit for infant rice cereal. Cadmium was also detected in nearly all samples.
• Brown rice from the southeastern U.S. had the highest heavy metal levels, while California white rice and imported varieties (e.g., Thai jasmine, Indian basmati) showed lower contamination. Saffron-seasoned rice had alarmingly high lead levels.
• Arsenic, a known carcinogen, poses severe risks to infants and toddlers due to their developing bodies. Despite FDA limits for infant cereal, no standards exist for regular rice, a common food for young children.
• While some companies (e.g., Mars Inc.) claim compliance with safety standards, critics argue regulations are inadequate. The FDA has not set limits for arsenic in general rice products.
• Experts advise diversifying grains (e.g., quinoa, barley), rinsing rice and using excess water when cooking to reduce arsenic. For infants, oatmeal or multigrain cereals are safer alternatives.

A report by the nonprofit Healthy Babies, Bright Futures (HBBF) has revealed that rice, a dietary staple for billions of people worldwide, may contain dangerous levels of heavy metals.

The nonprofit tested 145 samples of rice, both domestic and imported brands, from U.S. retailers. The report, published on May 15, found that arsenic is present in every sample tested. HBBF’s findings raise urgent questions about food safety, regulatory gaps and the long-term health risks tied to chronic exposure.

One in four of the rice samples tested also exceeded the acceptable level for inorganic arsenic in infant rice cereal – 100 parts per billion – which the Food and Drug Administration set in 2021. Moreover, cadmium was detected in all but one sample, with some products showing elevated levels.

Brown rice grown in the southeastern U.S. contained the highest average levels of heavy metals, while California-grown white rice had lower arsenic levels. Imported rice such as Thai jasmine and Indian basmati tested by HBBF had lower contamination.

Alarmingly, a saffron-seasoned rice sample showed lead levels 32 higher than the average – with HBBF commenting that the spice could have played a role in the increased contamination. In contrast, alternative grains like quinoa and barley had 69 percent less heavy metal contamination.

“Our findings confirm that arsenic and cadmium in rice remain a concern, especially for young children, who are most vulnerable to harm,” said HBBF Research Director Jane Houlihan, who authored the study. She emphasized this in the report, writing that “no such limit exists for rice itself — the bags and boxes of rice served at family meals – despite it being widely consumed by infants and toddlers.”

The shocking truth about arsenic in rice

Arsenic, the most prevalent toxin detected, is a known carcinogen linked to developmental delays, cardiovascular disease and cancers. While the FDA limits this heavy metal in infant rice cereal, no such standard exists for general rice consumption – despite children’s heightened vulnerability. “Fetuses, infants and children are particularly vulnerable to the potential harmful effects from arsenic exposure because of their smaller body sizes and rapid metabolism and growth,” the regulator stated.

Historical context underscores the gravity of the findings. Arsenic, once used as a poison, persists in soil due to industrial pollution and natural deposits. Rice absorbs it more readily than other crops, especially when grown in flooded fields.

Industry responses have been mixed. Mars Inc., maker of Ben’s Original Rice, asserted its products meet safety standards, while the USA Rice Federation disputed claims of a public health crisis but pledged collaboration with regulators. Critics argue current measures are insufficient, however.

Health experts recommend diversifying grains, rinsing rice thoroughly and cooking it with excess water to reduce arsenic levels. For infants, alternatives like oatmeal or multigrain cereals are advised. (Related: Arsenic in Brown Rice? Here’s how you can keep enjoying this nutritious grain.)

Oregon State University environmental epidemiologist Molly Kile, who wasn’t involved in the report, emphasized moderation. She noted that while rice can still ban still be part of a healthy diet, consumers must be sure to switch it up.

As science sheds light on this invisible threat, consumers face a dilemma: Balancing convenience and tradition against potential risks. With regulatory action lagging, informed choices and demand for stricter oversight may be the best defense against a toxin hiding in plain sight.

Visit HeavyMetals.news for more similar stories.

Watch this report by KSAT 12 about common spices testing positive for arsenic and other heavy metals.

This video is from the Daily Videos channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

New study confirms brown rice contains 40% more toxic arsenic than white rice, putting young children at risk.

Food safety tips: How to reduce the arsenic in your rice by 80 percent.

Are you slowly poisoning yourself with… rice?

Sources include:

TheEpochTimes.com

CBSNews.com

GlobalNews.ca

Brighteon.com