FDA proposes limit for arsenic in baby rice cereal

  • 8 years ago
The U.S. government is warning parents to steer clear of rice cereal as a food staple for babies because it’s a leading cause of arsenic exposure for infants.
The FDA is working to decrease levels of inorganic arsenic in rice cereal for babies.
Babies eat three times more rice than adults, according to the FDA, and people usually eat the most rice they will ever eat at 8 months old.
Inorganic arsenic, the more toxic type, is found in higher levels in rice because of the way the plant grows.
Parents are urged mix in other fortified cereals made with different grains.
Exposure to inorganic arsenic can lead to developmental issues for children.
The risk also applies to pregnant women, the FDA warned.

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