Is there arsenic in rice in the US?

December 12, 2025 •

4 min read

Yes, arsenic is present in rice in the U.S. and virtually all rice sold worldwide, but the levels vary widely depending on the type of rice and its origin. A 2025 report from Healthy Babies Bright Futures found that 100% of tested rice samples contained some level of arsenic, with over a quarter exceeding infant safety limits set by the FDA.

Quick Summary

This guide examines the presence of arsenic in US rice, explaining how it gets into the grain, outlining the differences in arsenic levels between rice types and growing regions, and detailing simple cooking methods to minimize exposure.

Key Points

Arsenic is present in US rice: Most rice contains some level of arsenic, with concentrations varying widely by type and growing region.
Inorganic arsenic is the primary concern: This form is more toxic and prevalent in rice compared to the organic form.
Regional differences matter: Rice grown in California typically has lower arsenic levels than rice from the U.S. Southeast.
Brown rice is higher in arsenic: The bran layer of brown rice accumulates more arsenic, so white rice generally has lower levels.
Cooking methods can reduce arsenic: Boiling rice in a large amount of water (like pasta) or using a parboiling method can significantly decrease arsenic content.
Varying your diet is key: The FDA and health experts recommend consuming a variety of grains and not relying solely on rice to minimize exposure over time.
Infants and children are more vulnerable: Due to their size and higher relative consumption, infants should have a varied diet and not exclusively eat rice-based products.

Is there arsenic in rice in the US? Understanding the Contamination

Arsenic is a naturally occurring element in the Earth's crust, found in soil, rock, and water. Because rice is typically grown in submerged paddies, it is particularly efficient at absorbing arsenic from the soil and water. The presence of arsenic in U.S. rice is influenced by both natural geological factors and historical human activities, such as the use of arsenic-based pesticides on former cotton fields in the south-central United States. This legacy has contributed to elevated arsenic levels in the soil of regions now used for rice cultivation.

There are two primary forms of arsenic found in rice: inorganic and organic. Inorganic arsenic is considered more toxic and is the type of greater health concern for long-term exposure. Organic arsenic is less toxic and is more common in seafood. Regulatory efforts and health assessments, like those from the FDA, focus on limiting the intake of inorganic arsenic.

Arsenic Levels by Rice Type and Growing Region

Not all rice has the same amount of arsenic. Several factors influence the concentration, with the type of rice and the location where it is grown being the most significant. A comprehensive study in 2025 by Healthy Babies Bright Futures highlights some key differences in arsenic levels:

Brown Rice: Generally has higher levels of arsenic than white rice because arsenic tends to accumulate in the bran layer, which is removed during the milling process to produce white rice.
Rice from the U.S. Southeast: This rice, often labeled generically as “USA,” had higher average contamination than rice grown in California. The historical use of arsenic-based pesticides in this region is a contributing factor.
California-grown Rice: This includes sushi and Calrose varieties, which typically have some of the lowest levels of heavy metal contamination of U.S. rice.
Imported Rice: White basmati rice from India and Pakistan, as well as jasmine rice from Thailand, tend to have significantly lower arsenic levels than U.S.-grown rice from regions with higher contamination. Arborio rice from Italy has also shown elevated levels.
Ancient Grains: Alternatives such as amaranth, millet, and quinoa generally contain much less arsenic than rice.

How to Reduce Arsenic in Rice During Cooking

There are several simple and effective methods to significantly reduce your exposure to arsenic from rice. The FDA and other health organizations recommend varying your diet and modifying your cooking techniques.

Comparison of Rice Cooking Methods for Arsenic Reduction


Cooking Method	Water-to-Rice Ratio	Arsenic Reduction	Nutrient Impact	Notes
Standard Absorption	~2:1	Low	Retains nutrients well	Traditional method, minimal arsenic removal.
Cooking Like Pasta	6:1 to 10:1	High (up to 60%)	Some nutrients (iron, folate) are lost	Boil rice in a large pot of water and drain excess water.
Pre-soaking	Not applicable	Moderate (up to 40%)	Minimal nutrient loss if water is discarded	Soak rice overnight, rinse thoroughly, then cook with fresh water.
Parboiling	4:1 (quick boil), then rinse	Moderate-High	Minimal nutrient loss compared to pasta method	A more recent, efficient method that involves boiling for 5 mins, draining, then cooking with fresh water.

A step-by-step guide to low-arsenic cooking:

Rinse Thoroughly: Start by rinsing your rice multiple times until the water runs clear. This helps remove some surface arsenic.
Parboil and Drain: Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add the rice and boil for 5 minutes. Drain the water and rinse the rice again. This step removes a significant portion of the arsenic with less nutrient loss than the pasta method.
Cook with Fresh Water: Cook the parboiled rice in a new pot with fresh water using a 2:1 water-to-rice ratio until the water is fully absorbed.

Important Considerations for High-Risk Groups

Infants and young children are particularly vulnerable to the health effects of heavy metals like arsenic because of their lower body weight and higher rate of food consumption relative to their size. The FDA has an established action level of 100 parts per billion for inorganic arsenic in infant rice cereal, and it's recommended to feed infants and toddlers a variety of grains, not just rice. Pregnant individuals are also advised to minimize their exposure.

The FDA’s Stance and Future Regulations

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has actively monitored arsenic levels in rice and rice products for years. While regulations exist for infant rice cereals, the FDA has not yet set legally enforceable maximum levels for many other rice-based foods. The agency continues to advocate for a balanced diet to minimize exposure and promotes ongoing research into reducing arsenic in crops. Consumers can stay informed by checking for updates on the FDA's website.

Conclusion

While the presence of arsenic in U.S. rice is a valid concern, it is a manageable health issue. By understanding which types and growing regions have higher concentrations and employing simple cooking techniques, you can significantly reduce your exposure. For high-risk individuals like infants and pregnant people, diversifying grain intake is a key recommendation. Staying informed and taking proactive steps can ensure you continue to enjoy rice as part of a safe and healthy diet.

Alternatives to Rice

For those looking to diversify their diet and further reduce arsenic exposure, especially for infants and children, there are many nutritious alternatives:

Quinoa
Barley
Bulgur
Oats
Millet
Farro
Amaranth

These grains offer similar versatility and nutritional benefits with a much lower risk of heavy metal contamination.

Is there arsenic in rice in the US? Your Guide to Safer Consumption

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, nearly all rice contains some level of arsenic, including rice grown in the U.S., but levels are not uniform across all products. The levels vary significantly based on the rice type and where it is grown.

Brown rice generally contains higher levels of arsenic than white rice because arsenic is concentrated in the bran, which is left intact on brown rice but removed to make white rice.

Cooking rice in a large volume of water (a 6:1 to 10:1 ratio) and then draining the excess water, similar to cooking pasta, can reduce arsenic levels by 40-60%. Soaking rice overnight beforehand can further increase this reduction.

While no rice is completely free of arsenic, white basmati rice from California, India, and Pakistan, as well as California-grown sushi and Calrose rice, tend to have lower levels of inorganic arsenic than other varieties.

The FDA has set an action level for inorganic arsenic in infant rice cereal, but experts recommend feeding infants and children a variety of grains to minimize exposure. Alternatives like oatmeal or other non-rice grains are often suggested for younger children.

Rice plants naturally absorb arsenic from the soil and water where they are grown, which is often flooded. Historical use of arsenic-based pesticides and natural geological sources can also contribute to soil contamination.

Yes, a number of grains naturally contain much lower levels of arsenic than rice. These alternatives include bulgur, barley, farro, millet, quinoa, and amaranth.