Half of baby rice contains illegal arsenic

Around half of baby rice sold in major UK supermarkets contains illegal levels of inorganic arsenic which could stunt babies’ growth and intelligence, a study has found.

Despite new stricter rules on how much arsenic children’s food can contain being introduced in January, researchers from Queen’s University Belfast found levels had actually risen.

Chronic exposure can cause health issues including developmental problems, heart disease, diabetes and nervous system damage.