Cancer-Causing Metals Found in Household Favorite

Every single rice sample tested in a major U.S. study contained toxic arsenic, with some popular brands exceeding federal safety limits for infants while facing zero regulations for family consumption.

Key Takeaways

• Healthy Babies, Bright Futures found arsenic in 100% of 145 rice samples from U.S. stores, with one in four exceeding federal limits for infant cereal
• Four dangerous heavy metals were detected: arsenic, cadmium, lead, and mercury, with southeastern-grown brown rice showing the highest contamination levels
• Long-term exposure to these metals can cause cancer, developmental harm, and IQ loss, yet no federal arsenic limits exist for regular rice consumed by families
• California-grown rice, Thai jasmine, and Indian basmati showed lower heavy metal levels, offering safer alternatives for consumers
• Cooking rice in extra water and draining it before consumption can significantly reduce arsenic exposure

Widespread Contamination Across American Rice

A disturbing new report from the nonprofit organization Healthy Babies, Bright Futures has uncovered the presence of toxic heavy metals in virtually all rice sold in American stores. The comprehensive analysis examined 145 rice samples across 10 grain types and over 100 brands from 20 metropolitan areas. The results paint a concerning picture for American consumers: arsenic was detected in every single sample tested, with cadmium following as the second most prevalent contaminant. Most alarming is that 25% of the samples exceeded the federal arsenic limit established for infant rice cereal, while no such protective standard exists for rice consumed by the general population.

“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 revealed significant regional variations in contamination levels. Rice grown in the southeastern United States consistently showed the highest levels of heavy metals, with brown rice from this region containing the most concerning concentrations. White rice from the Southeast also contained more heavy metals than California-grown varieties. For consumers looking to minimize exposure, Thai jasmine, Indian basmati, and California-grown rice demonstrated relatively lower heavy metal levels, though Indian basmati and Italian arborio rice still showed elevated cadmium levels specifically.

Serious Health Risks Without Federal Protection

The health implications of this widespread contamination cannot be overstated. Long-term exposure to arsenic is associated with multiple types of cancer, skin lesions, and developmental issues. The other detected metals – cadmium, lead, and mercury – contribute to a range of health problems including kidney damage, neurological issues, and reduced cognitive function. These risks are particularly severe for developing children and pregnant women, yet the FDA has established arsenic limits only for infant rice cereal, leaving regular rice consumed by families completely unregulated for these toxic substances.

More than 100 different brands of store-bought rice in the US contained dangerously high levels of arsenic and cadmium, a new report shows. Rice grown in the US and Italy contained the highest levels of heavy metals. https://t.co/kOoPKMmTGa

— WISH-TV News (@WISHNews8) May 15, 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 USA Rice Federation has attempted to downplay concerns, claiming that American-grown rice has the lowest inorganic arsenic levels globally. However, this assertion contradicts the study’s findings that southeastern U.S. rice contained some of the highest heavy metal concentrations among all samples tested. This discrepancy highlights the need for greater transparency from the rice industry and more rigorous federal oversight to protect American consumers from these invisible but dangerous contaminants that have infiltrated a staple food consumed by millions daily.

Practical Solutions for Safer Rice Consumption

While the findings are concerning, there are practical steps Americans can take 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 draining the water before consumption can significantly reduce arsenic levels. The report also recommends diversifying grain consumption beyond rice, incorporating alternatives like quinoa, barley, buckwheat, and other grains that typically contain lower levels of heavy metals. For those who regularly consume rice, choosing California-grown varieties, Thai jasmine, or Indian basmati offers relatively safer options.

“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 cereal. This regulatory gap represents yet another failure of federal agencies to protect American consumers from harmful substances in our food supply. President Trump’s administration has consistently advocated for reducing unnecessary regulations, but when it comes to toxic substances in our food supply, the absence of proper standards puts American families at risk. Until stronger protections are implemented, consumers must take personal responsibility for minimizing exposure to these dangerous heavy metals that have silently infiltrated a dietary staple.