Arsenic is naturally occurring in the environment, and very low levels are present in various foods. Elevated arsenic exposure from drinking water has been associated with a variety of serious adverse health effects, with potential effects noted in vulnerable populations such as infants and children.
Rice and rice-containing products are a major contributor to dietary exposure to inorganic arsenic in all ages, including infants and young children. In June 2020, Health Canada’s Food Directorate issued a Notice of Modification (NOM, NOM/ADM C-2020-1) to add maximum levels (ML) for inorganic arsenic in polished (white) and husked (brown) rice. These targeted MLs were developed to help ensure that dietary exposures to inorganic arsenic be kept as low as possible.
In April 2021, Health Canada’s Food Directorate proposed an additional ML for inorganic arsenic in rice-based foods intended specifically for infants and children (NOP/ADP C-2021-1). This document presents the final assessment to support these additional risk management measures for inorganic arsenic in rice-based foods intended for infants and young children.