Dangerous amounts of heavy metals and elements, including arsenic, cadmium, lead, and mercury, have been discovered in more than 100 different brands of rice purchased from stores across the United States, according to a new report published on May 15.

The report was conducted by Healthy Babies, Bright Futures (HBBF), a nonprofit that seeks to reduce babies’ exposure to toxic chemicals, according to its official website.

Researchers with the group tested 145 rice samples from retailers nationwide–including domestic-grown and imported varieties–and detected arsenic in 100 percent of them, according to the report.

One in four of the rice samples also exceeded the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA’s) action level for infant rice cereal of 100 parts per billion (ppb) of inorganic arsenic, which was set in 2021, HBBF said.

Additionally, cadmium was found in all but one sample, with some showing elevated levels, the report said.

“Parents shouldn’t have to worry that a common food like rice carries hidden risks,” said Jane Houlihan, study author and HBBF’s Research Director. “Our findings confirm that arsenic and cadmium in rice remain a concern, especially for young children, who are most vulnerable to harm.”

Houlihan added that the FDA “has the power to drive industry-wide change, and that action is long overdue.”

Researchers with HBBF tested 105 different brands from retail chains or independent stores, supermarkets, dollar stores, superstores, local markets, and online retailers across the country, including Trader Joe’s, Ben’s, and Kroger.

The brands were purchased from 20 metropolitan areas, including New York City and Houston.

Along with arsenic and cadmium, researchers with HBBF also found lead and mercury in the rice samples.

Of the four toxic heavy metals found, arsenic was found to be at the highest levels, while cadmium was second. Lead and mercury were found at the lowest levels, according to the report.

Overall, the levels of total heavy metals ranged from 63 ppb to 188 pbb among the rice samples, though some samples exceeded 300 ppb.

US Brown Rice Worst Offender, Report Finds

Brown rice grown in the Southeast United States or labeled as “Grown in the USA” contained the highest average levels of heavy metals, according to the report. Levels in arborio (risotto) rice grown in Italy were nearly as high.

According to HBBF, three rice types stood out as safer choices for families, with average heavy metal levels 32 percent lower than other samples. They were California-grown rice, Thai jasmine, and Indian basmati.

A saffron-seasoned rice contained lead levels up to 32 times higher than the average for other samples, which HBBF said raised concerns about potential contamination from the added spice.

In contrast, testing of 66 samples of nine alternative grains, including quinoa, farro, and barley, found they contained 69 percent less heavy metal contamination than rice, according to the report.

Arsenic is a naturally occurring element that is widely distributed in soil, air, and water, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Very low levels can be found in food due to its presence in the environment where food is produced and processed.

The inorganic form of arsenic is the most toxic to humans, and the health effects from exposure are more severe, according to the FDA.

Exposure to arsenic at high levels during the time of active brain development is linked to neurological effects such as lowered IQ, learning disabilities, and behavioral difficulties, the agency says.

“Fetuses, infants, and children are particularly vulnerable to the potential harmful effects from arsenic exposure because of their smaller body sizes and rapid metabolism and growth,” the agency says.

Arsenic is one of 10 chemicals listed by the World Health Organization as being of major public concern, with the agency noting it is a confirmed carcinogen.

A spokesperson for Mars Inc., which manufactures Ben’s, told The Epoch Times in an emailed statement that quality and food safety are a top priority.

“Ben’s Original Rice meets the standards set by global authorities and is safe to consume,” the spokesperson said.

The Epoch Times has contacted Trader Joe’s and Kroger for comment.

This article has been updated with a statement from Mars Inc., which manufactures Ben’s.