Can cadmium levels in Chinese rice exceed safe limits and increase health risks?

What's actually in it

Rice absorbs cadmium from soil and irrigation water more than almost any other grain crop. People who eat rice as a staple food, especially in Asia, get a steady daily dose of this toxic metal. Cadmium builds up in your kidneys and bones over a lifetime of exposure and can cause kidney disease, bone weakness, and cancer.

What the research says

A 2026 study in Sci Adv assessed whether the current cadmium limits for rice in China are strict enough to protect health. The researchers found that existing standards allow cadmium levels that may still pose risks for people who eat rice daily. In some rice-growing regions, a large percentage of the crop exceeded even the current limits.

People who eat two or more servings of rice daily face the highest cadmium exposure. Over decades, this can lead to kidney damage and a higher risk of certain cancers.

Rinse rice thoroughly and cook it in excess water (like pasta), then drain. This removes some cadmium. Rotate rice with other grains like quinoa, millet, and barley to spread out your exposure. Choose rice grown in areas with lower cadmium soil contamination when possible.