Because that number is an average, it means that some of the cereals were lower — and some were higher. Stretching: 35 exercises to improve flexibility and reduce pain, Better Balance: Simple exercises to improve stability and prevent falls. The agency is not advising the general population of consumers to change their current rice consumption patterns based on the presence of arsenic, but is providing targeted information for pregnant women and infants to help reduce exposure. The FDA voluntary limit for arsenic in rice cereal is 10 times larger than what the EPA allows in our nation’s drinking water. It’s not that we need to cut all rice and rice products out of our diet (although the CPSC report did suggest that children not drink rice milk). Please note: If you have a promotional code you'll be prompted to enter it prior to confirming your order. The contents displayed within this public group(s), such as text, graphics, and other material ("Content") are intended for educational purposes only. For years, rice cereal has been a go-to for parents when they start their babies on solid foods. Commenting has been closed for this post. No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician. “The proposed limit is a prudent and achievable step to reduce exposure to arsenic among infants.”. FDA officials are requiring rice cereal to contain no more than 100 parts per billion of inorganic arsenic. The agency also is responsible for the safety and security of our nation’s food supply, cosmetics, dietary supplements, products that give off electronic radiation, and for regulating tobacco products. What you have written may be seen, disclosed to, or collected by third parties and may be used by others in ways we are unable to control or predict, including to contact you or otherwise be used for unauthorized or unlawful purposes. Why junk food diets may raise heart disease risk, A flavanol-rich diet may increase brain function, Sleeping too much or not enough may raise the risk of cognitive decline, Steroid injection may be the best medicine for frozen shoulder, Use topical painkillers for strains and sprains, Study finds similar outcomes for two different weight-loss procedures, Don’t delay cancer treatment during the pandemic, Certain foods and drugs may lower risk of colon cancer, Gum disease linked to an increased risk for cancer, More daily movement may lower cancer deaths, Oral health problems may raise cancer risk. The FDA’s data show that nearly half (47 percent) of infant rice cereals sampled from retail stores in 2014 met the agency’s proposed action level of 100 ppb inorganic arsenic and a large majority (78 percent) was at or below 110 ppb inorganic arsenic. Through a draft guidance to industry, the FDA is proposing a limit or “action level” of 100 parts per billion (ppb) for inorganic arsenic in infant rice cereal. It’s a good idea for toddlers to eat varied grains as well, not just rice — and for parents to be mindful of the rice (or rice syrup) toddlers may consume in “puffs” and other snacks marketed for them. and may be amended from time to time. The FDA is releasing data showing the levels of inorganic arsenic in 76 samples of rice cereals for infants. Published studies, including new research by the FDA, indicate that cooking rice in excess water (from six to 10 parts water to one part rice), and draining the excess water, can reduce from 40 to 60 percent of the inorganic arsenic content, depending on the type of rice – although this method may also remove some key nutrients. Babies should remain on breastmilk or formula along with complementary solids from 6 months until at LEAST one year old. ARCHIVED CONTENT: As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content.