Rice has a genetic tendency to accumulate higher levels of arsenic than other cereals, but as part of a balanced, varied and moderate diet, it does not pose a risk to the consumer.
However, the consumer can to some extent reduce exposure to arsenic from rice by washing the grains with water before cooking and pouring the boiling water away after cooking the rice.
High levels of inorganic arsenic have been observed in some seaweeds, especially hijiki (Sargassum fusiforme). Food recommendations for families with children (in Finnish) address the safe use of seaweeds in terms of iodine exposure, but the same recommendations also protect the consumer from metals.
Evira (now the Finnish Food Authority) and the Swedish Food Agency have published research results on levels of contaminants in food for young children and cereals. These studies have revealed higher levels of arsenic in rice than in other cereals. Because of their low weight, children are the most sensitive group to the effects of contaminants in food. This is why, in 2013, Evira issued a recommendation that small children (under 6 years of age) should not drink rice beverages as the only beverage. Other rice-based foods, gruel, porridge, rice supplements and the like can be consumed normally as part of a varied, balanced and moderate diet. In Finland, it is not considered necessary to make more specific recommendations to limit the consumption of rice, as, for example, the consumption of rice cakes by children is low in Finland. In September 2015, the Swedish Food Agency also issued more detailed quantitative recommendations on the consumption of rice products, according to which rice beverages and rice cakes are not recommended for children under 6 years of age.
Traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicines may contain dangerously high quantities of various metals, including arsenic, and users of such products have been reported to have suffered even serious poisonings.