Overview

• The report tested 145 rice samples from 20 U.S. metro areas, detecting arsenic in 100% of samples and other toxic metals like cadmium, lead, and mercury.
• One in four samples surpassed the FDA's 100 ppb inorganic arsenic limit for infant rice cereal, though no federal limit exists for standard rice.
• Cooking rice in excess water and draining it can reduce arsenic levels by 40% to 60%, according to the study and FDA guidance.
• Rice alternatives such as quinoa, barley, and couscous were found to have significantly lower heavy metal content than rice.
• The U.S. Rice Federation disputes health risks from trace arsenic in rice but has pledged to work with the FDA on potential thresholds.