Every single rice sample tested in a new report contained arsenic, with some exceeding federal safety limits by 400%, posing serious health risks to American families unknowingly consuming toxic heavy metals with their meals.
Key Takeaways
- Arsenic was found in 100% of 145 rice samples tested from U.S. stores, with one in four exceeding even the federal limit for infant rice cereal.
- Brown rice from the southeastern U.S. showed the highest concentration of heavy metals, while Thai jasmine, Indian basmati, and California rice contained lower levels.
- These toxic metals (arsenic, cadmium, lead, and mercury) can cause cancer, developmental harm, and IQ loss with long-term exposure.
- The FDA only regulates arsenic levels in infant rice cereal, with no federal limits protecting American families consuming regular rice.
- Cooking rice in excess water and draining it can reduce exposure, while alternating with other grains like quinoa, barley, and bulgur is recommended.
Alarming Levels of Toxic Metals Found in American Rice
A comprehensive investigation by the nonprofit organization Healthy Babies, Bright Futures has uncovered disturbing evidence of widespread toxic metal contamination in rice sold across America. The report examined 145 rice samples covering 10 grain types and over 100 brands from 20 metropolitan areas, finding arsenic in every single sample tested. Even more concerning, one in four samples contained arsenic at levels exceeding the federal limit established for infant rice cereal, with some samples surpassing this threshold by a staggering 400%. While the FDA maintains strict arsenic standards for baby foods, American families consuming regular rice have no such protections in place.
“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.
The study identified four particularly dangerous heavy metals contaminating our rice supply: arsenic, cadmium, lead, and mercury. Among these, arsenic was detected at the highest concentrations, followed by cadmium. This contamination pattern presents serious long-term health risks to Americans who regularly consume rice, including increased cancer risk, skin lesions, developmental harm, and cognitive impairment. The findings directly contradict claims by the USA Rice Federation that American-grown rice contains the lowest levels of inorganic arsenic globally—an assertion that appears increasingly dubious in light of this comprehensive testing.
Regional Differences Reveal Critical Safety Information
The investigation uncovered significant regional variations in heavy metal contamination that consumers should be aware of when making purchasing decisions. Brown rice from the southeastern United States consistently showed the highest concentrations of heavy metals, particularly arsenic. Even white rice from this region contained significantly higher levels than California-grown varieties. These regional differences aren’t random—they reflect variations in soil composition, growing conditions, and agricultural practices that directly impact the safety of the rice we consume.
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
“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.
The safest options identified in the report were Thai jasmine rice, Indian basmati rice, and California-grown varieties, all of which showed significantly lower arsenic levels. However, Indian basmati and Italian arborio rice samples did contain elevated cadmium levels, highlighting the complexity of choosing truly safe rice products. The U.S. rice industry has acknowledged the presence of arsenic in rice but predictably disputes the report’s implications—a standard response when profits are threatened by legitimate public health concerns.
Protecting Your Family from Heavy Metal Exposure
In the absence of comprehensive federal regulation protecting American consumers from heavy metals in rice, families must take personal precautions to reduce their exposure. The simplest and most effective method is to cook rice in excess water (using a ratio of 6-10 parts water to 1 part rice) and then drain the excess water after cooking. This technique can remove up to 60% of the arsenic content, significantly reducing health risks. Rinsing rice thoroughly before cooking provides additional protection by washing away surface contaminants.
“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
The report strongly urges the FDA to establish arsenic limits for all rice products, not just infant cereals—a critical regulatory gap that leaves millions of American families vulnerable. Until such protections are implemented, consumers should prioritize rice varieties known to have lower heavy metal concentrations and incorporate a diverse range of alternative grains into their diets. This investigation highlights yet another instance where government agencies have failed to adequately protect Americans from preventable health hazards, leaving citizens to research and implement their own safety measures against toxic contamination in our food supply.
