Is there arsenic in rice cereal?
According to a Federal Drug Administration (FDA) investigation of over 1,300 samples of rice and rice products, they found variable levels of arsenic in foods such as plain rice from various sources, rice cereals, rice-based snack foods, other rice containing foods, rice waters, and pastas.
To combat any potential effects of arsenic from food, parents are encouraged to vary the foods they serve their children. For babies who may be starting solids with rice cereal, the advice is to vary the grains (barley, wheat, oats) to reduce the overall exposure to arsenic. Parents are also encouraged to use other first foods such as pureed meat, fruit, and vegetables.
Reviewed by Dr. Sara Connolly, August 2019
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