Every bite of rice Americans consume could be exposing them to dangerous levels of arsenic and other heavy metals, with brown rice from the southeastern U.S. showing the highest contamination levels according to a shocking new report.
Key Takeaways
- A nonprofit organization found arsenic in 100% of 145 rice samples tested from U.S. stores, with one in four samples exceeding federal limits for infant rice cereal.
- Four toxic heavy metals were detected: arsenic, cadmium, lead, and mercury – with arsenic at highest levels, posing risks of cancer, developmental harm, and IQ loss.
- Brown rice from the southeastern U.S. had the highest contamination, while California-grown rice, Thai jasmine, and Indian basmati varieties showed lower levels.
- The FDA has established arsenic limits only for infant rice cereal, leaving no federal guidelines for rice consumed by the general population.
- Experts recommend cooking rice in excess water and draining it, or switching to alternative grains like quinoa, barley, or buckwheat to reduce exposure.
Widespread Contamination in American Rice Supply
The extensive analysis conducted by Healthy Babies, Bright Futures has revealed a disturbing reality about one of America’s most commonly consumed grains. After examining 145 rice samples from stores across the country, researchers discovered arsenic contamination in every single sample tested. The study, which covered 10 grain types and over 100 brands from 20 metropolitan areas, found four dangerous heavy metals present: arsenic, cadmium, lead, and mercury. Most alarming was that 25% of the tested rice exceeded the federal arsenic limit that exists for infant rice cereal, yet no such safety standards exist for rice consumed by the general public.
“While all plants can absorb some heavy metals, rice plants are especially effective at pulling it from the soil, because of their physiology and growing conditions,” said Tasha Stoiber, Ph.D.
This finding should deeply concern American families, especially since rice is a staple food for millions of households. The lack of federal regulation for arsenic in regular rice represents yet another example of government agencies failing to protect consumers from known health hazards. While the Biden administration focuses resources on progressive ideologies and open border policies, basic food safety continues to receive inadequate attention and oversight, putting American families at unnecessary risk.
Regional Differences and Health Risks
The report reveals significant regional variations in heavy metal contamination. Brown rice from the southeastern United States showed the highest levels of toxic metals, while white rice from the same region had higher contamination than California-grown varieties. Thai jasmine, Indian basmati, and California rice generally contained lower levels of arsenic, though Indian basmati and Italian arborio varieties showed elevated levels of cadmium. These regional differences suggest that soil conditions and growing practices significantly influence contamination levels, a fact that could help consumers make safer choices.
“Published data show that arsenic concentrations in rice vary based on the variety and the region where the rice crop is grown,” said Tasha Stoiber, Ph.D.
Long-term arsenic exposure has been linked to serious health conditions including cancer, skin lesions, and developmental problems. Cadmium, the second-most prevalent heavy metal found in the samples, can cause kidney damage and bone disease with prolonged exposure. Lead and mercury, though detected at lower levels, are well-established neurotoxins that can cause irreversible damage to developing brains. These health risks are particularly concerning for children and pregnant women, who are more vulnerable to the effects of toxic metals.
Industry Response and Consumer Recommendations
The USA Rice Federation has pushed back against the report’s implications, claiming that American-grown rice has the lowest inorganic arsenic levels globally. This response highlights the tension between industry interests and public health concerns. While the FDA does have some guidelines for heavy metals in food, with stricter standards for baby foods, these measures clearly fall short of comprehensive protection for consumers. The lack of arsenic limits for regular rice consumed by adults and children over 12 months old represents a significant regulatory gap that leaves Americans vulnerable.
“This report highlights the importance of diet variety, and we should remember this applies to all foods, not just grains. Vary your diet with these grains: quinoa, barley, buckwheat, bulgur, amaranth, farro, couscous, oatmeal, polenta, and spelt. You could even use spaghetti squash, zucchini noodles, or cauliflower rice,” said Theresa Gentile, MS, RD, CDN.
For families who continue to consume rice, experts recommend several practical steps to reduce exposure to these toxic metals. Cooking rice in excess water (using a ratio of 6-10 parts water to 1 part rice) and then draining the excess can remove up to 60% of arsenic content. Choosing California-grown, Thai jasmine, or Indian basmati varieties may also lower exposure. The report also urges consumers to incorporate alternative grains into their diets, such as quinoa, barley, or bulgur, which typically contain lower levels of arsenic and other heavy metals than rice.
Call for Stronger Federal Oversight
The report concludes with a strong call for the FDA to establish arsenic limits for all rice products, not just infant cereals. This recommendation reflects growing concerns about the adequacy of our food safety regulatory system. While other countries have implemented stricter standards for heavy metals in food, the United States continues to lag behind in protecting its citizens from these known toxins. The disparity between the strict regulation of infant foods and the lack of standards for products consumed by the rest of the population creates an illogical and dangerous gap in consumer protection.
Dangerous amounts of heavy metals and elements, including arsenic, cadmium, lead, and mercury, have been discovered in more than 100 different brands of rice purchased from stores across the United States. https://t.co/dmk34lNKvh
— NTD News (@NTDNews) May 16, 2025
American taxpayers fund numerous federal agencies charged with ensuring food safety, yet basic protections like limits on known carcinogens in staple foods remain unestablished. This represents yet another example of government bureaucracy failing to fulfill its core responsibilities while expanding into ideological domains far beyond its intended purpose. Until stronger federal oversight is implemented, consumers must take personal responsibility for reducing their exposure to these toxic substances through informed purchasing decisions and proper preparation methods.
