CFSAN Constituent Update - FDA Proposes Limit for Inorganic Arsenic in Infant Rice Cereal

Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition - Constituent Update
http://www.fda.gov/Food/NewsEvents/ConstituentUpdates/default.htm

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FDA Proposes Limit for Inorganic Arsenic in Infant Rice Cereal

April 1, 2016

FDA is taking steps to reduce inorganic arsenic in infant rice cereal, a leading source of arsenic exposure in infants. Through a draft guidance to industry, the FDA is proposing a limit or “action level” of 100 parts per billion (ppb) for inorganic arsenic in infant rice cereal. FDA testing found that the majority of infant rice cereal currently on the market either meets, or is close to, the proposed action level.

The proposed limit stems from extensive testing of rice and non-rice products, a 2016 FDA risk assessment that analyzed scientific studies showing an association between adverse pregnancy outcomes and neurological effects in early life with inorganic arsenic exposure, and an evaluation of the feasibility of reducing inorganic arsenic in infant rice cereal.

For More Information

• Arsenic in Rice: main page
• Arsenic in Rice: Questions & Answers
• News Release: FDA Proposes Limit for Inorganic Arsenic in Infant Rice Cereal
• Consumer Update: Seven Things Pregnant Women and Parents Need to Know About Arsenic in Rice and Rice Cereal