Arsenic and Cadmium in Rice: What the New U.S. Study Reveals

A recent report by Healthy Babies Bright Futures (HBBF) has raised concerns about heavy metals in rice sold in the United States. The organization tested 145 rice samples from leading brands. Every sample contained detectable arsenic. Nearly all contained cadmium. About a quarter of the rice tested exceeded the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s recommended action level for inorganic arsenic in infant cereal, set at 100 parts per billion (ppb). However, this level is not enforced for rice eaten by the general public.

Why Rice Has More Arsenic and Cadmium Than Other Grains

Rice tends to accumulate higher levels of arsenic than most crops. Meharg and Zhao published evidence in New Phytologist showing how flooded paddy fields release arsenic from soil into irrigation water.¹ Rice roots then absorb the arsenic and store it in the grain.

Cadmium follows a similar pattern. A study published in Environmental Health Perspectives found that cadmium contamination often comes from phosphate fertilizers and industrial pollution. Once cadmium enters paddy soils, it persists and moves into the edible parts of rice plants.²

The historical use of arsenic-based pesticides on former cotton fields further worsens contamination in southern U.S. rice-growing regions. In these soils, arsenic levels remain elevated decades after the pesticides were banned.

Health Risks of Chronic Exposure

Although arsenic and cadmium occur naturally, chronic dietary exposure can cause harm. A review published in Environmental Health Perspectives linked long-term arsenic intake to cancers of the bladder, lung, and skin. Arsenic exposure also raises the risk of cardiovascular disease.³

For children, the stakes are higher. Rodrigues et al. examined prenatal arsenic exposure (plus lead and manganese) on neurodevelopment. They found that elevated water arsenic was significantly associated with lower cognitive scores on BSID‑III, even after adjusting for lead exposure. ⁴

Cadmium is toxic to the kidneys and bones. Cadmium accumulates in the body over time.² Even low-level exposure can damage kidney function and weaken bones. Another study observed that higher maternal cadmium levels were linked to lower birth weight and smaller head circumference in newborns.⁶

Which Rice Has the Most Contamination?

The HBBF report provided detailed comparisons. Rice grown in the southern United States, particularly brown rice, showed the highest arsenic levels. Some samples exceeded 150 ppb. White rice from these areas also ranked high.

In contrast, California-grown sushi rice and Indian basmati rice had much lower arsenic concentrations. Their samples averaged around 50–70 ppb.

Importantly, rice labeled “organic” did not consistently contain less arsenic or cadmium.

How Cooking Methods Can Lower Arsenic

Arsenic levels can be lowered through cooking. The study in Science of the Total Environment found that rinsing rice thoroughly removes some arsenic. Cooking rice in a high water-to-rice ratio (6–10 parts water to 1 part rice) and draining the excess water cuts arsenic content by up to 60%. Soaking rice overnight before cooking improves the removal even more.⁷

However, these techniques do not remove cadmium effectively. Cadmium binds tightly within the rice grain’s structure. Therefore, the best strategy for cadmium is to buy rice grown in low-cadmium soils.

No Regulatory Limits for Adult Rice Consumption

The FDA has set action levels for arsenic in infant rice cereal. But there is no enforceable standard for rice consumed by adults or older children. This gap is troubling, especially given that many communities rely on rice as a staple food.

In Asian American and Hispanic households, rice is often eaten multiple times per day. People with celiac disease or gluten intolerance also consume more rice products. Over time, this raises cumulative exposure to heavy metals.

EFSA and other agencies recommend that consumers choose rice grown in low-arsenic areas and prepare it with high-water cooking methods. Yet without clear labeling, consumers cannot easily identify lower-risk rice.

Nutritional Strategies to Reduce Risk

Diet diversification helps limit heavy metal intake. Quinoa, millet, buckwheat, and barley contain much lower arsenic and cadmium levels compared to rice-based products.⁸ These grains also provide antioxidants and phenolic compounds that help protect against oxidative stress induced by environmental contaminants.⁹

Additionally, certain nutrients can reduce heavy metal absorption. For example, folate supplementation has been shown to significantly lower blood arsenic levels by promoting its methylation and excretion in exposed populations.¹⁰ Diets rich in folate, iron, zinc, and calcium may offer protective benefits, although more research is needed to confirm their efficacy in different settings.

How Institutions Can Reduce Exposure

Field trials have demonstrated that alternate wetting and drying irrigation can significantly reduce arsenic uptake in rice grains.¹¹ Expanding these practices would help reduce contamination at the source.

Conclusion

Rice is a nutritious staple with cultural importance worldwide. It provides carbohydrates, B vitamins, and trace minerals. However, no single measure can eliminate heavy metals from the food supply.

Combining smart sourcing, improved cooking, dietary diversification, and regulatory action can substantially reduce exposure. These steps will help protect health without requiring families to give up rice entirely.

For clinicians, dietitians, and public health experts, translating this evidence into guidance is essential. Clear communication about risk reduction helps consumers to make decisions about the rice they serve at their tables.