Consumer Reports Finds Inorganic Arsenic in All Rice Tested; Calls on FDA to Set Limits
A new analysis by Consumer Reports (CR) found detectable levels of inorganic arsenic in all 52 rice products it tested, suggesting that exposure to the toxic heavy metal from rice remains a persistent concern.
The investigation analyzed 142 samples representing 52 rice products, including white, brown, basmati, jasmine, sushi, arborio, parboiled, microwavable, and seasoned rice products. Detectable levels of arsenic, cadmium, and mercury were found in every sample tested, while lead was detected in 66 samples.
According to CR, 42 percent of products contained average inorganic arsenic concentrations high enough that, over time, consuming one serving daily could significantly increase the risk of skin and bladder cancers and type 2 diabetes, based on the organization's risk assessment methodology. Notably, 17 products contained average inorganic arsenic concentrations of at least 100 parts per billion (ppb).
To evaluate potential health risks, Consumer Reports estimated lifetime cancer risk using the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA's) risk assessment approach for carcinogens and calculated recommended weekly serving limits for adults and children based on inorganic arsenic concentrations and standard bodyweight assumptions.
Calls for FDA Limits on Inorganic Arsenic in All Rice Products
The U.S currently has no enforceable federal limit for inorganic arsenic in most rice products. Under the “closer to zero” initiative, FDA has established an action level of 100 ppb for inorganic arsenic in infant rice cereal, which the agency may reference when deciding whether to take enforcement action against potentially unsafe products.
Consumer Reports argued that the absence of limits for other rice products represents a regulatory gap and called on FDA to establish inorganic arsenic standards across the broader rice category.
The findings also highlighted ongoing discussion about cumulative dietary exposure to heavy metals. Although cadmium, lead, and mercury concentrations were generally low, several seasoned rice products exceeded CR's internal level of concern for lead, with the organization attributing much of the lead content to spice blends rather than the rice itself.
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Rice Type Influences Arsenic Levels
The findings were consistent with previous research showing variation in inorganic arsenic concentrations among rice types. Basmati and sushi rice contained the lowest average concentrations, at 55 ppb and 57 ppb, respectively. Higher concentrations were observed in arborio rice (64 ppb), jasmine rice (87 ppb), long- and short-grain rice (101 ppb), and parboiled rice (101 ppb).
Brown rice continued to contain higher concentrations than white rice because inorganic arsenic accumulates in the grain's outer bran layer. Brown rice averaged 113 ppb compared with 72 ppb for white rice.
Although these averages were modestly lower than those found in previous testing conducted in 2014, CR said the differences were not wide enough to indicate a meaningful market-wide decline in arsenic concentrations.
The Presence and Risks of Arsenic
Arsenic occurs naturally in soil and water but is also present due to historical industrial activities and legacy pesticide use. Rice is particularly susceptible to accumulating inorganic arsenic because it is typically cultivated under flooded conditions that increase arsenic availability in soil, and because the crop readily absorbs arsenic through the same transport pathways used for silicon.
Inorganic arsenic is classified as a known human carcinogen and has been associated with increased risks of several cancers, cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, adverse pregnancy outcomes, and neurodevelopmental effects in children.
