(News Nation) – A recent study indicates that popular rice brands sold across the US may contain dangerously high levels of toxic metals.
According to the organization “A Bright Future with a Healthy Baby,” all 145 rice samples tested contained arsenic. Alarmingly, over a quarter of those samples surpassed the FDA’s safe levels for infant products.
The report emphasized, “There are no restrictions on rice, such as those packaged for family meals, despite it being a common food for infants and young children.” Additionally, traces of cadmium were detected in nearly every sample, with some showing notably elevated amounts.
This raises concerns for parents who prepare homemade rice cereals for their babies, as they might be unwittingly exposing their children to harmful arsenic levels.
Research identifies four toxic metals in rice products
The study discovered four toxic metals: arsenic, cadmium, lead, and mercury present in various rice products. The HBBF reported that such exposure could lead to serious health issues, including cancer and cognitive impairment. The World Health Organization warns that long-term arsenic exposure through food and water can result in skin problems and cancer.
Arsenic was found to be the most prevalent, with cadmium following closely. Notably, saffron-seasoned rice exhibited significantly higher lead levels compared to other varieties. Research found that brown rice cultivated in the southeastern US had the highest average levels of these harmful metals.
White rice from the southeast showed higher levels of heavy metals, study reveals
White rice sourced from the southeast averaged higher levels of heavy metals, particularly arsenic, than rice from California. Comparatively, Thai jasmine rice and Indian basmati rice showed lower concentrations of these toxins. However, Indian basmati rice and Italian arborio rice were noted for having the highest average cadmium levels.
The HBBF study involved testing 10 different grains and over 100 brands from 20 metropolitan areas, including major cities like Seattle, New York, Miami, and Los Angeles.
