The U.S. Food and Drug Administration tested more than 1,300 samples of rice and rice products in the last year and found trace amounts of arsenic ranging from 0.1 micrograms to 7.2 micrograms per serving based on each product’s recommended serving size. Documenting the presence of arsenic in these products was simply a first step for the FDA. They are currently reviewing the data to assess any long-term risk that might cause them to modify or issue new product safety recommendations.
But, the important take-away from the FDA’s current evaluation is that rice can safely be consumed as part of a varied diet — by everyone, including infants, children, and pregnant women. Additionally, the American Academy of Pediatrics continues to recommend that parents feed infants and toddlers a variety of grains, including rice cereal.
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