Facts
- HBBF tests found six times more arsenic in infant rice cereal than in other types of infant cereal.
- Rice readily absorbs arsenic from the environment, about 10 times more of it than other grains.
- Arsenic causes cancer and permanently reduces children’s learning ability. Rice cereal is babies’ top source of arsenic exposure.
- Studies show low arsenic in all brands tested for these infant cereal types: barley, buckwheat, oatmeal, multi-grain, quinoa and wheat.
Learn more from HBBF’s recent report on Arsenic in 9 Brands of Rice Cereal.
Quick Tips
HBBF has more tips for parents to protect their families from arsenic contamination.
Available in English and Spanish.
Avoid infant rice cereal.
Rice cereals contain six times more arsenic levels compared with other infant cereal options.
Choose infant cereals like oatmeal, mixed grain, quinoa, barley, buckwheat and wheat.
These are naturally low in arsenic.
Cost-saving tip:
Oatmeal and multi-grain infant cereals are just as affordable as rice cereal.
Avoid rice snacks.
They have high arsenic levels, too.
Does your family love rice?
Cook rice in extra water that you pour off before eating. This can cut the arsenic levels by up to 60%, according to U.S. FDA studies.
Helpful Resources
HealthyBabyCereals.org
8 Tips to Protect Your Family from Arsenic
8 Maneras para Proteger a Su Familia de la Contaminación del Arsénico
Tell Gerber to Get the Arsenic Out of Babies' Cereal
Baby's First Foods
Why Arsenic Might Be in Your Baby Food
DeLauro Introduces Legislation to Limit Arsenic in Rice
