A new report has raised concerns about arsenic levels in rice sold in the US, according to Prevention.

Nowadays, it is difficult to keep up with food safety news. A report by Healthy Babies, Bright Futures revealed that all 105 rice products tested in US supermarkets, including brands sold at Trader Joe's and Walmart, contained detectable levels of arsenic.

The study also found that more than 1 in 4 samples exceeded the safe level set by the FDA for rice cereal for infants (100 parts per billion). Additional testing revealed traces of inorganic arsenic, cadmium, lead, and mercury in some rice samples. The amount of heavy metals found in each grain depends on the origin of the rice. For example, white rice grown in California and jasmine rice from Thailand contain lower levels of metals compared to brown and white rice grown in the southeastern United States.

This is obviously a very serious problem. Chronic exposure to high levels of inorganic arsenic is associated with an increased risk of a number of health problems, including certain types of cancer (such as kidney and bladder cancer) and type 2 diabetes, according to the FDA and EPA.

The FDA has even classified inorganic arsenic as a carcinogen—a substance known to cause cancer. The agency has set a limit for inorganic arsenic in infant cereal, but has not established a specific limit for total rice consumption. Although traces of arsenic in rice are unlikely to pose an immediate risk, experts recommend moderate consumption of rice, especially for infants and young children, and diversification of grain foods to reduce long-term exposure.

The U.S. Rice Federation told CBS News: "We know that arsenic in food is a concern for many consumers and that you may have questions. While we disagree that trace amounts of arsenic in rice pose a risk to public health, we will continue to work with the US Food and Drug Administration to ensure that rice supplies in the US meet all established thresholds."

The FDA recommends that rice be washed thoroughly and cooked in plenty of water (at a ratio of 6:1 water to rice), then drained before serving. | BGNES