Arsenic in Rice: What Parents Need to Know to Protect Their Families

Rice is a staple food in many households, but new research shows it could be silently harming the youngest members of your family.

A new report by Healthy Babies Bright Futures (HBBF) tested 145 rice products from U.S. retailers and found that 100% contained arsenic, with more than one-fourth exceeding the federal limit for infant rice cereal. Cadmium, another heavy metal linked to developmental harm, was also found in nearly every sample.

Why Arsenic in Rice Is a Problem for Children

Arsenic is a known neurotoxin that poses serious risks to early brain development, especially during pregnancy and in children under the age of two. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA, 2025a), exposure can lead to:

• IQ loss
• Learning and behavioral issues
• Increased cancer risk
• Immune and endocrine disruption

Rice is the leading source of arsenic from solid food in young children’s diets. And while limits exist for infant rice cereal, there are currently no regulations for arsenic levels in the rice served at family meals.

“Toxic metals like arsenic and cadmium don’t belong in a child’s diet, yet they’re hiding in plain sight,” says Dr. Paul Savage, Founder of MDLifespan. “This is a call to action for both families and policymakers. Safer food choices and detoxification strategies must go hand in hand to protect long-term health.”

Which Families Are Most Affected?

The risk is highest among Asian, Latino, and Hispanic families, who statistically consume more rice than other groups. For these households, routine rice consumption may contribute to significantly higher toxin exposure, posing long-term risks to both children and pregnant women.

7 Key Findings from the Report

1. Heavy metals were found in every brand of rice tested.
2. Some rice types had far lower levels than others. White basmati and sushi rice were generally safer than brown or wild rice.
3. Alternative grains—like quinoa, barley, and couscous—had significantly lower heavy metal contamination.
4. Precooked and seasoned rice products showed unusually toxic arsenic forms and elevated lead levels.
5. Many rice brands exceeded federal and state health benchmarks for heavy metals.
6. Families of color are disproportionately affected, highlighting an environmental justice issue.
   
7. There’s no evidence of FDA or industry progress to reduce arsenic in family rice products.

What Parents Can Do

Parents play a critical role in reducing their family’s exposure. Here are three actionable tips:

1. Switch to Lower-Arsenic Rice

Opt for white basmati rice from California, India, or Pakistan. Sushi rice is another safer option. Avoid brown rice and wild rice for infants and toddlers.

2. Use the Right Cooking Method

Rinse rice thoroughly and cook it in extra water—using a 6:1 water-to-rice ratio, then drain. This method can reduce arsenic by up to 60%.

3. Rotate Your Grains

Incorporate alternative grains like quinoa, couscous, millet, or barley. These offer nutritional benefits with far lower heavy metal risk.

What the FDA Should Do

Experts urge the FDA to take the following steps to better protect families:

• Set clear limits for arsenic and cadmium in rice products.
• Encourage labeling standards for rice meeting infant safety benchmarks.
• Require routine testing and public posting of heavy metal levels in food products.

Until then, it’s up to consumers to make informed choices—and for health providers to support detoxification when exposure is identified.

MDLifespan’s Role in Toxin Reduction

At MDLifespan, we recognize the invisible risks posed by environmental toxins like arsenic, cadmium, and lead. That’s why we offer advanced toxin testing and therapeutic options—like our PlasmaXchange Protocol—to help patients reduce their toxic burden and protect neurological and immune health.

🌾 Want to know if toxins are impacting your health?
Schedule a free consultation with an MDLifespan physician.