9 Common U.S. Ingredients That Are Illegal in Other Countries

ARSENIC

This one has a long history of poisoning: Unfortunately, this ground metal is taken up by plants, and can turn up in high amounts in rice. With the increased use of certain pesticides, inorganic arsenic (not naturally occurring) levels are rising. ‘It’s a carcinogen that can be dangerous to infants and a developing child’s brain,’ warns Savage.

‘The rice cereal in the U.S. is monitored very closely by the FDA, but I would always recommend being your own advocate and looking into the products that you are serving your child and yourself.’ Arsenic is tough to totally eliminate, as it is a naturally occurring element, but Savage notes that some companies are aiming for levels that are ‘ALARA,’ or as low as reasonably achievable.

Lundberg Organics has set its target for 10 parts per billion (ppb)—ten times lower than the FDA established guidance level of 100 ppb in infant rice cereal. The European Food Safety Authority has set limits of 300 ppb for rice cakes and crackers, 250 ppb for brown rice, and then 100 ppb for infant cereals.