A new study has found that rice purchased in the United States from over 100 brands contains dangerous levels of arsenic and cadmium. Early exposure to these metals is linked to reduced IQ and cognitive and behavioural problems. The May 2025 report by Healthy Babies Bright Futures (HBBF) highlights the persistent risk rice poses to babies and toddlers. HBBF, a nonprofit organisation working to reduce babies’ exposure to harmful chemicals, partnered with BAL, an ISO-certified lab for testing arsenic, lead, cadmium, mercury and arsenic speciation in food.
)
One in four samples exceeded the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) 100 parts per billion (ppb) limit for inorganic arsenic in infant rice cereal. While that limit, introduced in 2021, led to a 45% drop in arsenic levels in baby cereal, the FDA has yet to regulate arsenic in rice products commonly cooked and consumed by families.
Researchers warn that for children aged 0 to 2, cooked rice is now the leading source of inorganic arsenic exposure, replacing infant cereal.
Inorganic arsenic is a potent carcinogen and neurotoxin, especially harmful in early development. Even at low levels, it is linked to diabetes, reproductive toxicity, developmental delays and cardiovascular disease. Cadmium, another carcinogen found in the samples, can harm kidneys, bones and lungs: furthermore, it can cross the placenta during pregnancy and causes more damages.
The study analysed 145 rice samples from the U.S., India, Thailand and Italy, comparing them with 66 samples of alternative grains like farro, quinoa and barley. Results showed rice contained, on average, 28 times more arsenic than these alternatives. While the ancient grains contained more cadmium, overall heavy metal exposure was three times lower than in rice.
The report notes that rice type and origin strongly influence contamination levels. U.S.-grown brown rice had the highest arsenic at 129 ppb, while ‘California Sushi’ and ‘Calrose’ rice showed the lowest levels. ‘Arborio’ rice from Italy also ranked high in heavy metals.
Experts recommend cooking rice in excess water and draining it, which can reduce arsenic by up to 60%. Soaking overnight helps further but may lower essential nutrients like iron, requiring dietary compensation.
Since rice remains a staple in many diets, advocates are calling for clearer labelling, federal limits on arsenic in all rice products and public education on safer grain choices.
More information is available at:
HBBF report: link