A new food safety report has raised alarms for American families, revealing that every rice sample tested from stores across the U.S. contained arsenic, a toxic heavy metal linked to serious health concerns.
The findings come from Healthy Babies, Bright Futures, a nonprofit organization focused on minimizing infants’ exposure to harmful chemicals, and their message is clear: rice may not be as safe as many Americans believe—especially for children.
The report, which analyzed 105 brands of rice purchased from 20 major U.S. metro areas—including New York City, Los Angeles, and Miami—also uncovered high levels of cadmium, lead, and mercury in many products.
While arsenic was found at the highest levels, cadmium ranked second, with some samples testing at total heavy metal concentrations above 240 parts per billion (ppb).
One in Four Rice Samples Exceeded Infant Arsenic Limits
Perhaps most concerning, 25% of the rice samples exceeded the FDA’s limit of 100 ppb of inorganic arsenic, the more dangerous form of the element, for infant rice cereal.
Although that limit only applies to food labeled specifically for babies, no such threshold exists for rice marketed for general consumption—even though rice is a staple in many households with young children.
“There’s a gaping hole in our food safety regulations,” the report notes. “The rice you’re serving at family dinners might contain more arsenic than what’s allowed in food for babies.”
Inorganic arsenic is classified as a carcinogen by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and is more harmful to humans than its organic counterpart. Long-term exposure has been linked to cancer, developmental problems, and immune system damage, especially in young children and pregnant women.
Major Brands Affected, Industry Pushes Back
The study tested widely available brands, including Trader Joe’s, Ben’s, and Goya, and found that no brand was entirely free from contamination. The average total heavy metal concentrations ranged from 63 ppb to 188 ppb, depending on the sample.
In response, the USA Rice Federation issued a statement acknowledging consumer concern but rejected the idea that current arsenic levels represent a significant public health threat.
“We do not agree that there is a public health safety issue as a result of trace amounts of arsenic in rice,” the group stated, adding that it will continue cooperating with the FDA to monitor thresholds and food safety guidelines.
What Consumers Can Do to Lower Exposure
Despite industry reassurances, Healthy Babies, Bright Futures recommends several steps for consumers—especially parents—who want to reduce their exposure:
Cook rice like pasta: Boiling rice in 6–10 cups of water per 1 cup of rice and draining the excess liquid can significantly reduce arsenic content.
Choose safer rice types: Some rice varieties consistently test lower in heavy metals. Healthier options include:
Calrose, sushi, and white rice grown in CaliforniaJasmine rice from ThailandBasmati rice from India
Conversely, the group advises avoiding:
Brown rice
White rice from the Southeast U.S.
Arborio rice (commonly used in risotto)
Use rice alternatives: Grains like quinoa, couscous, and barley contain lower levels of heavy metals and can be used as safer substitutes.
Regulatory Gaps Highlighted Amid Growing Health Concerns
While U.S. regulatory agencies like the FDA and EPA monitor food safety, critics argue that existing standards lag behind modern scientific understanding.
The lack of a federal arsenic limit for adult-consumed rice is particularly glaring, especially given rice’s popularity across demographic, cultural, and economic lines.
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) acknowledges that both organic and inorganic arsenic are present in many foods, but stresses that inorganic forms are far more dangerous.
This latest report will likely fuel calls for tighter regulations and more comprehensive testing of staple food products.
