Arsenic in Baby Rice Cereal? A Guide for Parents
- Chelsea Lactation & Postpartum Care
- Jul 17, 2025
- 3 min read
Rice cereal has long been a popular first food for babies. It’s easy to prepare, gentle on the tummy, and often iron-fortified. But if you’ve heard something about arsenic in rice and you’re wondering if it’s still safe, here’s what you need to know:
What is Arsenic—and Why Is It in Food?
Arsenic is a naturally occurring element found in soil and water. Because rice grows in flooded fields, it absorbs more arsenic than other grains. Arsenic can also come from past pesticide use or other human activities, which means it’s found in varying amounts in foods grown around the world.
There are two forms:
Organic arsenic (less toxic)
Inorganic arsenic (more toxic, and the one health experts are concerned about)
Inorganic arsenic has been linked to long-term health effects like certain cancers, heart disease, skin issues, and possible effects on brain development when exposure happens early in life.
Why Is This a Bigger Deal for Babies?
Infants and young children are more vulnerable to food contaminants because:
They eat more food for their body weight than adults.
Their diets are often less varied.
Their developing brains and bodies are more sensitive to toxins.
Rice-based baby foods—like infant rice cereal, teething biscuits, and puffed rice snacks—can be a significant source of arsenic in a baby’s diet if eaten regularly.
What Are Health Authorities Doing About It?
Both Health Canada and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have set a maximum allowable limit of 0.1 parts per million (ppm) of inorganic arsenic in rice-based foods meant for babies and young children.
This limit applies to:
Infant rice cereal
Rice-based teething biscuits
Puffed rice snacks made for babies
This limit is now part of Canadian food law, and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency is responsible for making sure products follow these rules.
Testing shows that this arsenic limit is readily achievable, and many brands are already meeting or staying below it.
What Can You Do as a Parent?
You don’t have to avoid rice cereal completely—but a few small changes can reduce arsenic exposure:
Offer a variety of grains.
Try oat, barley, quinoa, or multigrain cereals. Mixing things up is good for nutrition and helps limit exposure to any one ingredient.
Don’t rely on rice-based snacks daily.
Puffed rice snacks and rice teething biscuits are fine once in a while—but shouldn’t be an everyday item.
Choose trusted brands.
Some brands voluntarily test their products for arsenic and share that information on their websites. Feel free to reach out to companies directly if you're unsure.
Remember: balance matters.
Exposure risk depends on how much and how often rice-based foods are eaten. Occasional servings of rice cereal are not harmful.
Final Thoughts
This can feel like a lot—but you're doing great by staying informed.
Rice cereal is still safe in moderation, and Health Canada’s regulations help ensure what’s on store shelves is safer than ever. The key is variety and balance. Try new grains, mix up baby’s meals, and don’t hesitate to ask your care provider if you have questions.
Want Help With Starting Solids?
As a lactation consultant and postpartum doula, I also support families with introducing solids, weaning, and navigating feeding questions with confidence.
If you’re not sure when or how to start—or if you want a second opinion that aligns with your family’s values—I’d love to help.
Click here to see my services. You're not alone on this journey.
