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Toxic Metals Found in All U.S. Rice Samples, Report Reveals

A study by Healthy Babies, Bright Futures finds arsenic and other heavy metals in rice, with 25% of samples exceeding FDA's infant cereal arsenic limit.

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Rice plants absorb arsenic from soil and water, making rice one of the main dietary sources of arsenic, studies show.
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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.