Is there arsenic in baby cereal?

Is there arsenic in baby cereal?

Is it true that there’s arsenic in baby cereals?

The short answer: yes. But do not panic! There are very small amounts of arsenic in many food products on our grocery shelves, including baby’s cereals.

Just recently, in 2022, Health Canada published a notice of modification to arsenic levels in cereals intended for infants, strictly limiting inorganic arsenic levels in rice-based foods intended for young children. This regulation applies, among other things, to rice cereals for infants. This measure has been put forward to minimize dietary exposure to these contaminants, which can be toxic with sustained and repeated exposure.

Infant’s cereals currently on the market contain more oats and mixed grains (and therefore less rice). And for those that are mainly rice-based, they are made from white rice with very low levels of arsenic.

So the next time you buy cereal for your baby, you can rest assured that all the cereals on the market are safe!

Marie Fortier
The baby expert

Updated article : March, 2025.

References :

Santé Canada. (2022, août). Avis de modification de Santé Canada visant à ajouter une concentration maximale d’arsenic inorganique dans les aliments à base de riz destinés spécifiquement aux nourrissons et aux jeunes enfants. Avis de modification – Liste des contaminants et des autres substances adultérantes dans les aliments. Repéré le 13 mars 2025 à https://www.canada.ca/fr/sante-canada/services/aliments-nutrition/participation-public-partenariats/avis-modification-visant-ajouter-concentration-maximale-arsenic-inorganique-aliments-base-riz-destines-nourrissons-jeunes-enfants/document.html
INSPQ. (2019, avril). De l’arsenic toujours présent dans certains aliments vendus au Canada. Repéré le 13 mars 2025 à https://www.inspq.qc.ca/bise/de-l-arsenic-toujours-present-dans-certains-aliments-vendus-au-canada

Discover our videos

Subscribe to a monthly or quarterly package now to access full videos.

33-34 weeks pregnant, Childbirth

Analgesics and Anesthetics

Are you giving birth in a hospital and would like to learn about the different ways to soothe pain? Marie

37-38 weeks pregnant, Baby/parents

The Calming Dance

Your baby is inconsolable, and you’ve tried everything. Have you tried the calming dance? With simple movements, this dance can

21-22 weeks pregnant, 31-32 weeks pregnant, Prenatal

Aqua-Form and Pregnancy

Do you like water and being active with other pregnant women? Have you thought about aquafit classes? Discover the benefits

31-32 weeks pregnant, Childbirth, Prenatal

Warning Signs of Imminent Labour

Are you getting close to your delivery date? What signs indicate that you are slowing going into labour? Marie talks

View all available videos

Warning

The mariefortier.com website and the comprehensive information it contains are intended as practical tools for expectant parents preparing for the arrival of their baby. These are not meant to replace the skills, knowledge, and experience of qualified health professionals who are familiar with the facts, circumstances, and symptoms specific to each individual. As such, Marie Fortier Inc. and its employees cannot be held responsible for any potential adverse effects or consequences resulting from the use of information provided on this website. It is the user’s responsibility to consult a physician or other qualified health professional for personal matters concerning them.