Does Lundberg Basmati Rice Have Arsenic? Understanding the Facts

December 23, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), rice tends to absorb arsenic from soil more than other crops. This raises a common consumer question: does Lundberg basmati rice have arsenic, and is it a safe choice? This article explores the company's own transparency, third-party testing, and practical ways to reduce your intake.

Quick Summary

All rice, including Lundberg basmati, contains some level of naturally occurring arsenic, but the brand tests its products to ensure they meet regulatory limits. While Lundberg reports its levels are well below international maximums, some third-party tests indicate moderate arsenic levels, especially in California-grown varieties. White basmati from India or Pakistan is often considered a lower-arsenic option.

Key Points

Arsenic is naturally occurring: All rice contains some level of naturally occurring arsenic from the soil, including Lundberg basmati.
Lundberg tests for heavy metals: The company reports that its products are regularly tested and fall below established regulatory limits for heavy metals like arsenic.
Third-party testing shows variations: Some independent consumer and food safety reports indicate that certain Lundberg California-grown rice varieties may contain moderate arsenic levels, especially for children.
Location matters: Basmati rice from India and Pakistan typically has lower arsenic levels than California-grown rice, including Lundberg's.
Cooking method is key: Rinsing rice thoroughly and cooking it in a large volume of water (like pasta) can significantly reduce arsenic content in your final meal.
White rice has less arsenic: Because the bran is removed during processing, white rice contains less arsenic than brown rice, which holds the element in its outer layer.
Diet diversity is recommended: To minimize overall arsenic exposure, experts recommend varying your grain intake and not relying on rice as a single primary staple.

Understanding Arsenic in Rice and its Sources

Arsenic is a naturally occurring element found in soil and water globally, but it can also be a legacy of industrial and agricultural practices. Inorganic arsenic is the more toxic form and is classified as a human carcinogen. Rice is particularly prone to absorbing arsenic because it is often grown in water-flooded conditions, which allows the element to be taken up more easily by the plant's roots.

The Role of Farming Location

The level of arsenic in rice is heavily influenced by the soil composition and the region where it is grown. For example, rice grown in the South-Central United States, where arsenical pesticides were once used extensively on cotton fields, has been found to have higher levels of inorganic arsenic compared to rice from other regions. Lundberg Family Farms, located in California, sources its rice from a region with different geological and agricultural conditions, which can affect its specific arsenic content.

Does Lundberg Basmati Rice Have Arsenic? Examining the Evidence

Lundberg Family Farms acknowledges that all rice contains naturally occurring arsenic. The company states that since 2013, it has regularly tested its rice for heavy metals and that its results consistently fall well below the limits set by regulatory agencies like the FDA. However, third-party tests and analysis by consumer groups present a more nuanced picture.

Company Testing and Claims: Lundberg reports that its internal tests show heavy metal levels, including arsenic, that are well within safety guidelines.
Third-Party Reports: A May 2025 report from Healthy Babies Bright Futures found elevated heavy metal levels, including arsenic, in samples from many popular brands, including Lundberg. In October 2024, Lead Safe Mama published third-party lab results specifically for Lundberg Organic California White Basmati rice, suggesting potentially concerning arsenic and cadmium levels, especially for children. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) also flags Lundberg's California-grown basmati varieties for potential arsenic contamination.
Regional Differences: California-grown basmati, like Lundberg's, may have different arsenic profiles than basmati imported from regions like India and Pakistan, which are often reported to have lower arsenic levels.

Brown vs. White Basmati Arsenic Levels

A crucial factor in arsenic content is whether the rice is brown or white. Arsenic tends to accumulate in the outer layer (the bran) of the rice grain.


Feature	Brown Basmati Rice	White Basmati Rice
Arsenic Level	Higher, concentrated in the bran layer.	Lower, since the bran and hull have been removed.
Processing	Minimally processed, only the inedible hull is removed.	The hull, bran, and germ are removed, which are high in arsenic and other nutrients.
Nutritional Profile	Higher in fiber, vitamins, and minerals.	Lower in fiber and certain nutrients due to processing.
Health Trade-off	Greater nutritional density but higher arsenic risk.	Lower arsenic risk but reduced overall nutritional content.

Can Cooking Reduce Arsenic in Rice?

Yes, several cooking methods can significantly reduce the amount of inorganic arsenic in your rice. Research has shown that cooking rice in more water, similar to how pasta is cooked, can be very effective.

To reduce arsenic with cooking:

Rinse thoroughly: Before cooking, rinse your rice in a strainer with clean water until the water runs clear. This helps wash away some surface arsenic.
Use a high water-to-rice ratio: Boil rice in a large pot with a ratio of 6 to 10 parts water to 1 part rice. This method allows the arsenic to be diluted into the cooking water, which is then drained away.
Soak your rice: Soaking rice overnight can also help reduce arsenic content.

A Balanced Approach to Rice Consumption

Diverse your grains

To minimize your overall dietary exposure to heavy metals, it's wise to vary your grain intake. Consider alternatives to rice, such as quinoa, barley, amaranth, or bulgur.

Choose different rice types

For those who prefer rice, opting for varieties typically found to have lower arsenic levels can help. Basmati from India and jasmine from Thailand are often cited as having lower concentrations than rice grown in the U.S. Southeast.

Conclusion: Making Informed Choices

While Lundberg basmati rice, like all rice, contains some arsenic, the company claims its levels are within safe regulatory limits. However, some third-party tests and reports from consumer groups raise moderate concerns, particularly for certain California-grown varieties. Brown rice from any source will contain higher levels than its white rice counterpart. The most prudent approach for health-conscious consumers is to use effective cooking methods like the high water-ratio rinse-and-drain technique, and to diversify your diet with different grains. By being aware of these factors, you can make informed decisions that balance the benefits of rice with potential risks associated with arsenic.

Authority Link

For more information on the FDA's strategy to reduce heavy metal exposure from food, see their 'Closer to Zero' initiative: https://www.fda.gov/food/metals-and-your-food/closer-zero-reducing-childhood-exposure-contaminants-foods

Frequently Asked Questions

No, it is not. Like all rice, Lundberg basmati rice naturally contains some level of arsenic, a naturally occurring element found in soil and water.

White basmati rice has lower arsenic levels than brown basmati rice. This is because the milling process that creates white rice removes the bran and hull, where most of the arsenic is concentrated.

You can reduce arsenic by rinsing the rice thoroughly before cooking and using a high water-to-rice ratio (6:1 to 10:1), similar to how you would cook pasta. The excess water is then drained away, carrying some of the arsenic with it.

No, whether rice is organic or conventionally grown does not reliably predict its arsenic content. The level is determined more by the soil composition of the field where it was grown.

Yes. Basmati rice grown in California, including Lundberg's, may have different arsenic levels than basmati grown in other regions, such as India or Pakistan, which are often reported to have lower concentrations.

Lundberg Family Farms states that its internal testing shows heavy metal levels consistently below regulatory limits set by the FDA and other international bodies. However, some third-party tests have shown more moderate levels, and there is no federal limit for arsenic in most rice products.

It is not necessary to stop eating it entirely. The FDA recommends a balanced and diversified diet that includes a variety of grains. Using proper cooking methods and varying your grain choices can significantly reduce your overall exposure to arsenic.