Dangerous levels of arsenic found in baby rice products

Seven types of baby rice foods sold in UK supermarkets contain dangerous levels of arsenic, new research shows.

Tests on 26 products for Channel 4’s Food Unwrapped programme revealed that almost a quarter broke European Union rules. A maximum level of arsenic allowed in rice used for baby food was introduced in January 2016 to reduce children’s exposure to the harmful toxin.

Food research expert Professor Andy Meharg told the TV series that parents should restrict baby rice feeds to 30g a day - about three tablespoons.

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But he told The Mail on Sunday that he personally “would not feed young children rice at all”. Meharg explained: “As a parent, I would want to take problematic things out. I would not want to take a risk with it.”

Because rice absorbs so much water when it grows, “it tends to absorb more arsenic than other grains, such as wheat, oats and rye”, says Professor Stuart Shalat, of Georgia State University’s School of Public Health, in an article on The Conversation.

“Brown rice tends to contain higher levels of arsenic than white rice, because the arsenic accumulates more in the outer coating, which is removed in white rice,” he adds.

When it comes to the potential health risks posed to children, “most of our knowledge comes from studies of populations with high levels of arsenic in their drinking water”, continues Shalat. For example, studies of children in arsenic-exposed areas of Bangladesh found reductions in their measured IQ.

Long-term exposure to arsenic is associated with a range of health effects, including skin, bladder, kidney and lung cancer, as well as diabetes, heart disease and damage to blood vessels and the nervous system.

Several mothers and fathers interviewed on Food Unwrapped were shocked by the levels of arsenic found in the UK tests, with one describing them as “scary”. Another said: “There should be more warnings.”

The parents urged authorities to provide clearer labelling on all baby rice products, which are claimed to help wean babies off breast milk and on to solid foods.

A Food Standards Agency spokesperson said: “Arsenic is naturally occurring in the environment and it is not possible to totally eliminate it from the diet. But because it has the potential to increase the risk of illnesses, including cancer, it is important to reduce exposure to as low as reasonably achievable.

“Maximum legal levels are in place for arsenic in rice, with stricter levels for rice used in the production of foods for infants and young children. It is the responsibility of food manufacturers to ensure they use ingredients in compliance with the legislation. Where non-compliance is found, enforcement officers will investigate and take action as needed.”