Dangerously high levels of arsenic found in rice cakes for babies

Almost three-quarters of rice cakes and other rice-based foods aimed at babies and young children contain dangerously high levels of arsenic, which has been linked to health problems including cancer.

The findings by UK researchers raise doubts about the effectiveness of EU rules brought in only last year designed to reduce the amount of the toxic chemical, which can impair a baby’s physical and mental development.

Dangerously high levels of inorganic arsenic are also often found in babies who have been reared on formula milks, especially non-dairy versions, according to the research from experts at Queen’s University Belfast.

“This research has shown direct evidence that babies are exposed to illegal levels of arsenic despite the EU regulation to specifically address the health challenge. Babies are particularly vulnerable to the damaging effects of arsenic that can prevent healthy development of a baby’s growth, IQ and immune system to name but a few,” said Andy Meharg, a professor of plant and soil sciences at Queen’s, who led the research.

“Products such as rice cakes and rice cereals are common in babies’ diets. This study found that almost three-quarters of baby crackers specifically marketed for children exceeded the maximum amount of arsenic,” he added.

In January 2016 the European commission introduced new rules setting out the legal maximum amount of inorganic arsenic that food manufacturers can put in rice and other rice products consumed by many children. However, Meharg and his co-authors have found out that the composition of rice-based snack foods has not become healthier despite that move.