Dangerously high levels of arsenic and cadmium found in store-bought rice
a year ago
- #health
- #food-safety
- #heavy-metals
- Store-bought rice in the U.S. contains dangerously high levels of arsenic and cadmium, linked to health issues like diabetes and developmental delays.
- One in four rice samples exceeded FDA's 2021 limit for inorganic arsenic in infant rice cereal (100 parts per billion).
- Rice is a significant source of arsenic exposure for young children, especially in Hispanic, Latino, and Asian communities.
- Brown and wild rice have higher arsenic levels due to the milling process that removes outer layers in white rice.
- California-grown rice has the lowest heavy metal content, while instant and precooked rice may contain additional toxins.
- Cooking rice with excess water and draining it can remove up to 60% of arsenic.
- The FDA is reviewing heavy metal levels in food, but clearer labeling and stronger oversight are needed.