The product was distributed to retail stores, grocery stores, delis, and supermarkets in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Texas, Florida, and Illinois between November 18, 2025 and September 7, 2026. While Nevada was not listed among the distribution states, families in Nevada may still have purchased the product while traveling, online, or from retailers outside Nevada. 

Lior Cinnamon Ground Seasoning (90 g)

Image Source: FDA 

Why Is This a Concern?

The recall was issued after a sample collected and analyzed by the Maryland Department of Health found elevated levels of lead in the product.

There is no safe level of lead. Children under six years old are especially vulnerable to lead exposure because their brains and bodies are still developing. Many children who are exposed to lead may not look, act, or feel sick. The only way to know if your child has been exposed to lead is by asking your provider for a blood lead test.

What Should You Do?

1. STOP using the recalled product immediately.
2. Discard the product or return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. 
3. Contact your child’s healthcare provider if you are concerned about possible lead exposure and ask about a blood lead test.
4. Questions? Contact Galil Importing Corp at 1-516-496-7400, Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM ET.

If you are cooking with cinnamon, check your pantry for the recalled product and share this announcement with your family and friends!

Read the full FDA Recall Announcement here.

The post Product Recall Announcement: Lior Cinnamon Ground Seasoning appeared first on Nevada Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program.

The recalled product was sold online at Amazon from May 2024 through July 2026 for about $31.

Images Sourced from: CPSC

Why Is This a Concern?

The zipper on the Lontcs Busy Board contains levels of lead that exceed the standard set in the federal lead paint ban. Lead is toxic if ingested by young children and can cause adverse health effects. Children under six are especially vulnerable to lead exposure because their brains and bodies are still developing. Even low levels of lead can affect a child’s growth, learning, and development. Lead exposure can be difficult to recognize because many children who are exposed may not look, act, or feel sick. There is no safe level of lead, and a blood lead test is the only way to know if a child has been exposed.

What Should You Do?

1. STOP using the recalled product immediately. 
2. Contact SQT for a full refund. Consumers will be asked to destroy the toy by unscrewing its components, write “RECALLED” on the board with a permanent marker, and send a photo of the destroyed toy to Lontcs@163.com. Consumers should then dispose of the destroyed product. 
3. Tell others: Share this recall information with family, friends, colleagues, and community partners.
4. Contact your healthcare provider if you are concerned about potential lead exposure. Ask whether your child should be tested for lead exposure. A blood lead test is the only way to know if a child has been exposed to lead.

Read the official CPSC announcements below:

Lontcs Busy Board toys

The post Lead Recall Alert: Lontcs Busy Board Toys appeared first on Nevada Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program.

To raise awareness, the Nevada Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program (NVCLPPP) will participate in Lead Poisoning Prevention Week (LPPW), taking place from October 25-31, 2026. LPPW is a nationwide annual observance led by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The campaign is also observed globally, with efforts led by the World Health Organization. 

This year, the NvCLPPP has chosen “What Families Should Know About Lead Poisoning,” as our theme for LPPW 2026. We will be sharing educational posts covering both national and global lead exposure topics. 

By the end of LPPW, parents should be able to answer:

• Why does lead poisoning prevention matter?
• Where can lead be hiding?
• Who is most at risk for lead poisoning?
• When should children get a lead test?
• How do I ask for a blood lead test?
• What can I do to prevent lead poisoning? 

Our 2026 Toolkit

As part of this effort, the NvCLPPP has created a free social media toolkit featuring:

✨ Ready-to-share graphics (national and global topics)

✨ Pre-written captions 

✨ Hashtags to join the conversation (#LPPW2026) 

The toolkit is designed to share quick, actionable messages that help families and communities learn about lead exposure and how to prevent it. 

📥 Click here to download the LPPW 2026 Toolkit in English

📥 Click here to download the LPPW 2026 Toolkit in Spanish

More Resources

Looking for even more ways to spread the word? NvCLPPP offers free fact sheets, flyers, and other materials you can share with parents, schools, and community groups. You can easily request printed copies through our website. 

Thank you for being part of Lead Poisoning Prevention Week. Together, we can raise awareness, encourage testing, and help protect children from lead exposure. 

The post 2026 Lead Poisoning Prevention Week Toolkit Now Available appeared first on Nevada Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program.

The lunch box set includes a metal figurine, a zippo lighter case, a drinking cup and a pack of condoms. Only the copper cups are included in this recall. The CPSC declared that the other products included in the lunch box set can still be used safely.

Images Sourced from: CPSC

Why Is This a Concern?

There is no safe level of exposure to heavy metals. Cookware and serve ware containing unsafe concentrations of heavy metals may lead to the indirect consumption and ingestion of lead. Even small amounts of lead in a child’s body can lead to permanent health and developmental effects, such as learning disorders, developmental delays, and other long-term health problems. Lead can build up in the body over time, which can lead to kidney dysfunction, hypertension, and neurocognitive effects in adulthood. Pregnant people who are exposed to lead are also at a heightened risk for adverse health effects. Lead can cross the placenta through the bloodstream and reach the unborn baby or transfer to the baby during breastfeeding due to low calcium levels. 

What Should You Do?

1. Keep the product away from children immediately. 
2. Contact the product distributor, Warren James, Inc., or visit https://flashgitz.shop/recall for a free replacement cup if you have your original order confirmation details.
3. Safely discard the product, and do not sell or give this product away.
4. Tell others – share this information with family, friends, colleagues, and community partners. 
5. Contact your healthcare provider if you are concerned about potential lead exposure.

Read the official CPSC announcements below:

Space King Lunch Box Copper Cups

The post Lead Recall Alert: Space King No Girls Allowed Relic Lunch Box Cups appeared first on Nevada Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program.

Images Sourced from: CPSC

Why Is This a Concern?

There is no safe level of exposure to heavy metals. Small amounts of lead in a child’s body can lead to permanent health and developmental effects, such as learning disorders, developmental delays, and other long-term health problems. Lead can build up in the body over time, which can lead to kidney dysfunction, hypertension, and neurocognitive effects in adulthood. Pregnant people who are exposed to lead are also at a heightened risk for adverse health effects. Lead can cross the placenta through the bloodstream and reach the unborn baby or transfer to the baby during breastfeeding due to low calcium levels. 

The federal lead paint ban restricts the amount of lead acceptable in paint used on children’s products to 0.009%, or 90 parts per million (ppm)*. ¹ Because these toys violate the federal lead paint ban, they present a toxic hazard of lead that can have serious health effects. Children, whose systems are most vulnerable to the adverse health effects of lead toxicity, are especially at risk for this product hazard. Darice Timeless Minis toys may be given to children to play with, who then might put these toys in their mouths and ingest trace amounts of lead.

What Should You Do?

1. Call your healthcare provider if you are concerned about potential lead exposure and ask about a blood lead level test. 
2. Safely dispose of these toys, and do not give them away or sell them.
3. Report any incidents involving injury or product defect to CPSC at www.SaferProducts.gov. 

*What’s a “ppm”?

“Parts per million” refers to a unit used to measure tiny amounts of a substance in food, water, or the environment. It can be tough to picture. Imagine 1 ppm as:

• 1 penny in $10,000
• 31 seconds in 1 year
• 1 drop of water in a 55-gallon barrel

Read the official CPSC announcements below:

Darice Timeless Minis

References

1. Lead in Paint. (n.d.). United States Consumer Product Safety Commission. Retrieved https://www.cpsc.gov/FAQ/Lead-in-Paint

The post Lead Risk Alert: Darice Timeless Minis appeared first on Nevada Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program.

Further laboratory testing conducted in collaboration with the New York State Department of Health concluded that the initial result was a false positive, caused by “sporadic lead contamination at the laboratory during analysis” and not contamination of the product itself.

While this product does not pose a public health concern, lead exposure remains an important issue, especially for young children. Parents are advised to contact their child’s healthcare provider if they are concerned about potential exposure, and to contact the company with any questions.

Read the full updated announcement here

On April 1st, the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) issued a public health alert for Great Value Fully Cooked Dino Shaped Chicken Breast Nuggets due to potential lead contamination. The affected product is packaged in 29 oz (1.81 lbs) plastic bags containing approximately 36 pieces. Consumers should check for the following details on the back of the packaging: 

• “BEST IF USED BY” date: FEB 10 2027
• Lot Code “0416DPO1215”
• Establishment number “P44164” 

Images Source: USDA

Why is This a Concern? 

Frozen foods, such as chicken nuggets, are a quick and convenient option for busy families. Dinosaur-shaped nuggets are especially popular among young children, making this public health alert particularly concerning. Although the product is no longer available for purchase, families may still have it at home. The affected chicken nuggets were produced on February 10, 2026, and distributed to Walmart stores across the nation. It is currently unclear when the product was removed from store shelves. 

Testing identified lead levels of approximately 147 parts per billion (ppb)* in the product. However, it is still unclear whether this measurement reflects a single serving or an individual nugget. For context, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration interim reference level for children is 2.2 micrograms of lead per day (mcg/day) for food. This represents the maximum daily intake from food that is not expected to cause harmful health effects. Depending on how much is consumed, a single serving could exceed the FDA’s daily reference level for lead in children several times over.

No recall has been issued at this time, but families are advised not to consume this product, as there is no safe level of lead exposure. 

Infants and young children face the highest risk of lead exposure. Even small amounts of lead can harm their growth, learning, and development. Pregnant people are also at risk for exposure, as lead can cross the placenta through the bloodstream and reach the unborn baby. Lead in the body can also transfer to their baby during breastfeeding due to low calcium levels. Parents should check their freezers and take these next steps to protect their family from lead:

What Should You Do?

1. Call your healthcare provider if you are concerned about potential lead exposure and ask about a blood lead level test. 
2. Questions? Contact John Patrick Lopez, Vice President, Strategy, Communications & Government Affairs, Dorada Foods, at john.patrick@lopezdorada.com. 

*What’s a “ppb”?

“Parts per billion” refers to a unit used to measure tiny amounts of a substance in food, water, or the environment. It can be tough to picture. Imagine 1 ppb as:

• 1 penny in $10 million
• 1 second in 32 years
• 1 drop of water in a swimming pool

The post Lead Risk Alert: Great Value Dino Shaped Chicken Nuggets appeared first on Nevada Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program.

Taken together, these findings highlight battery recycling in Ogijo as a growing public health concern for workers, families, and nearby communities.

Environmental and Occupational Pathways

Investigators documented several ways that people in Ogijo are being exposed to lead. Inside battery-recycling plants, workers dismantle used batteries by hand and handle acid and molten lead with damaged or entirely without protective equipment. Many of these people work in facilities with cracked floors, open waste piles, and poor ventilation.^2,4 These conditions allow lead dust and fumes to spread beyond factory grounds.

Residents reported black dust settling on vegetable gardens, rooftops, and indoor surfaces. Adults and children described health problems commonly associated with lead exposure, including headaches, abdominal pain, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating. Testing of soil and dust from homes, farms, and a nearby schoolyard showed that contamination extended into residential areas.¹ Investigators also noted the risk of “take-home” exposure, in which workers carry lead dust home on their clothes, skin, or shoes. Nigeria’s National Environmental (Battery Control) Regulations 2024 require battery-recycling facilities to conduct blood-lead testing of workers at least twice a year and require that workers handling used batteries wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).² However, at least one worker told investigators he had been tested only once and was never informed of his results; multiple workers reported that protective gear is rarely provided or enforced on the job.² These conditions increase the risk of both workplace exposure and take-home contamination.

Global and Local Context

Nigeria is one of Africa’s major exporters of recycled lead. Reporting by PREMIUM TIMES and The Examination shows that companies operating in Ogijo, including True Metals Nigeria Limited, exported recycled lead to countries such as Spain, South Korea, India, and the United States in recent years.² Trade records reviewed during the investigation indicate that the United States imports substantial amounts of recycled lead from Nigeria, much of it used in car battery production.² Investigations by The Examination and The New York Times traced some Nigerian recycled lead into international battery supply chains linked to major U.S. automakers, including Ford, General Motors, and Tesla.^1,4

Local leaders and residents in Ogijo have raised concerns about pollution from the recycling plants for years. Community members described longstanding environmental impacts on their neighborhoods and concerns about children spending time near contaminated areas. Many residents said they want the factories to operate more safely rather than shut down completely, as many families depend on the plants for income.

Following the release of soil and blood testing results, Nigeria’s environmental authorities sealed several battery-recycling facilities, including True Metals, in 2025.²  Residents later reported that some operations resumed and that conditions in the area showed little visible improvement.

Impact on Children and Families

Children are especially vulnerable to lead exposure. Testing conducted during the investigation found that 8 of the 14 children tested had blood lead levels above 5 µg/dL.² Health experts note that lead exposure at these levels (above 5 µg/dL) is linked to problems with learning, behavior, and development.

Adults living near the recycling plants described ongoing health problems, including fatigue, stomach pain, and memory difficulties. Residents also reported that black soot regularly settles on homes and outdoor surfaces, a visible sign of ongoing pollution.

Community members expressed serious concern about the long-term effects of exposure on their families, particularly children. Several families said they worried about their children’s future health and development and felt unable to move away from contaminated areas because of financial constraints.

Limited Capacity to Respond

Nigeria introduced new environmental regulations in 2024, but enforcement has been uneven. After blood and environmental testing results were shared, some residents said they received iron supplements and brief medical guidance. The investigations did not document access to specialized medical treatment for people with very high blood lead levels.

In 2025, during a government inspection, the Minister of State for Labour and Employment ordered True Metals Nigeria Limited shut down, citing “hazardous and dehumanising conditions,” including unprotected exposure to fumes and unsafe working environments.⁵ Despite these actions, reporting shows that comprehensive cleanup efforts, long-term medical follow-up, and relocation assistance for affected families have not been fully put in place.

Opportunities for Action

Research findings point to several areas where improvements could reduce exposure:

• Enforce Nigeria’s battery recycling and occupational health regulations consistently.
• Require regular and transparent worker blood lead testing.
• Expand access to blood lead level testing for children and families.
• Improve dust control, ventilation systems, and waste management at recycling plants.
• Remediate contaminated soil in residential neighborhoods, farms, and school areas.
• Strengthen oversight of recycled lead used in international battery supply chains.
• Provide community education and follow-up medical support for exposed families.

Increased attention from investigators, journalists, public health researchers, and community advocates has helped bring Ogijo’s lead contamination into public view. Continued efforts from government agencies, local leaders, and global partners will be important to protect families and support safer recycling practices in the future.

References

1. Goodman, Peter S, Fitzgibbon, Will, Granados, Samuel. The Auto Industry’s Lead Recycling Program is Poisoning People – The New York Times. 2025. Accessed February 5, 2026. https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2025/11/18/world/africa/lead-poisoning-car-battery.html
2. Olawoyin, Oladeinde, Ogunrinde, Folashade. INVESTIGATION: Poor oversight, regulatory failure expose Nigerians to slow death from battery recycling (2). 2025. Accessed February 5, 2026. https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/headlines/838527-investigation-poor-oversight-regulatory-failure-expose-nigerians-to-slow-death-from-battery-recycling-2.html
3. World Health Organization. Lead Poisoning. World Health Organization; 2024. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/lead-poisoning-and-health
4. Fitzgibbon, Will, Goodman, Peter S. Car battery recycling is fueling lead poisoning in Nigeria | The Examination. Accessed February 5, 2026. https://www.theexamination.org/articles/battery-recycling-nigeria-lead-poisoning-us-automakers
5. Ogunrinde, Folashade. Lead Poison: Nigerian govt shuts down recycling company after PREMIUM TIMES/The Examination investigation. 2025. Accessed February 5, 2026. https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/more-news/838649-lead-poison-nigerian-govt-shuts-down-recycling-company-after-premium-times-the-examination-investigation.html

The post Understanding Lead Contamination from Battery Recycling in Ogijo, Nigeria appeared first on Nevada Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program.

Product Name	Details	Recall Details	Images
Block and Cursive Handwriting Practice Kits	About 19,700 online at thekiddospacestore.com and Amazon from February 2024 through February 2025 for between $24 and $50.	The nib of the pens in these kits contain lead levels above the federal lead content ban.
Rectangular and Animal Shaped Talking Flashcard Toy	About 4,000 units sold online at thekiddospacestore.com and Amazon from October 2023 through February 2025 for between $30 and $50.	These toys contain lead and phthalate levels above federal safety limits and do not meet required safety standards for battery-operated toys.
Felt Christmas Tree Toy Play Sets	About 300 units sold online at thekiddospacestore.com from November 2023 through February 2025 for between $13 and $40.	This toy contains lead levels above the federal lead content ban and does not meet required safety standards for battery-operated toys.

Images Sourced from: CPSC

Why Is This a Concern?

There is no safe level of exposure to heavy metals. Small amounts of lead in a child’s body can lead to permanent health and developmental effects, such as learning disorders, developmental delays, and other long-term health problems. Lead can build up in the body over time, which can lead to kidney dysfunction, hypertension, and neurocognitive effects in adulthood. Lead exposure is also harmful to pregnant people and their unborn baby. 

Similarly, phthalate exposure also increases children’s risk to learning, attention, and behavioral problems.¹ It can also increase the risk of pregnancy complications, such as preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, preterm birth, low birth weight, and even pregnancy loss.² 

What Should You Do?

1. Keep the products away from children immediately. 
2. Return to the place of purchase OR follow the instructions below and contact info@thekiddospace.com for a full refund or replacement.
   • Handwriting Practice Kits: Safely dispose of pens and refills and send a photo of the disposed products to the company.
   • Animal Talking Flashcard Toy: Write “RECALLED” in permanent marker on the unit and submit a photo to the company to receive a replacement toy of at least equal value, then safely dispose of the toy.
   • Rectangular Talking Flashcard Toy: Cut the USB cable and submit a photo of it to the company to receive a free replacement, then safely dispose of the cable. 
   • Felt Christmas Tree Toy: Write “RECALLED” on the tree and storage box and submit a photo to the company, then safely dispose of the toy. 
3. Call your healthcare provider if you are concerned about potential lead exposure and ask about a blood lead level test. 

Read the official CPSC announcements below:

• Handwriting Practice Kits
• Talking Flashcard Toys
• Felt Christmas Tree Toy

References

1. Engel SM, Patisaul HB, Brody C, et al. Neurotoxicity of Ortho-Phthalates: Recommendations for Critical Policy Reforms to Protect Brain Development in Children. Am J Public Health. 2021;111(4):687-695. doi:10.2105/AJPH.2020.306014 
2. Hlisníková, H., Petrovičová, I., Kolena, B., Šidlovská, M., & Sirotkin, A. (2020). Effects and Mechanisms of Phthalates’ Action on Reproductive Processes and Reproductive Health: A Literature Review. International journal of environmental research and public health, 17(18), 6811. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17186811

The post Voluntary Lead Recall: TheKiddoSpace Children’s Learn and Play Toys appeared first on Nevada Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program.

Arsenic is a naturally occurring element found in soil. It can also enter water and air through natural processes and human activity. Because it is widely present in the environment, trace amounts are found in many crops. Unlike most crops, however, rice is commonly grown in flooded fields. As rice grows, it can absorb and accumulate arsenic (and other heavy metals) from both the soil and irrigation water. Over time, this can lead to higher arsenic concentrations compared to other grains.

In recent years, some progress has been made in protecting children from arsenic exposure in the U.S. In 2020, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) finalized an action level of 100 parts per billion (ppb*) for arsenic in infant rice cereal. The FDA determined that this level is both protective and achievable with current industry practices^4,5. This move encouraged many companies to reduce arsenic levels in their rice cereal products, and some states went even further by removing infant rice cereal from nutrition assistance programs.

However, these protections fall short of addressing the bigger issue: arsenic in rice itself. While infant rice cereal has received attention, rice is actually the leading source of arsenic from solid foods for children⁶. Unlike rice cereal, rice is eaten across all ages and throughout the lifespan, often multiple times per week. Yet, there are still no federal limits on arsenic in rice. This gap matters because without standards, families have no easy way of knowing which rice options are safer, and manufacturers have little incentive to lower arsenic levels.

To better understand the scope of the problem in the U.S., Healthy Babies Bright Futures (HBBF) published a first-of-its-kind study analyzing heavy metals in rice⁶. The study tested 145 samples from 105 brands of rice and other grains purchased from grocery stores across 20 U.S. cities. The results not only shed light on the persistence of arsenic contamination but also highlight the presence of other heavy metals in rice, including cadmium, lead, and mercury. 

HBBF’s Research: Key Findings from the Samples

Heavy metals were found in every brand of rice tested

Heavy metals were detected in every brand of rice tested, though levels varied widely by rice type and the region in which they were grown. Arsenic was found in all of the 145 rice samples tested, including both U.S.-grown and imported rice. More than one in four rice samples (28%) contained arsenic levels above the FDA’s 100 ppb action level for infant rice cereal. California-grown rice, Thai jasmine rice, and Indian basmati rice were among the lower-arsenic options.

In addition to arsenic, three other toxic metals were detected: cadmium, lead, and mercury. Cadmium was nearly as widespread as arsenic, appearing in all but one sample. Lead and mercury were less common but still present in over one-third of samples (34% and 39%, respectively). Although typically found at lower levels, lead and mercury were elevated in some samples, reaching up to 36 ppb for lead and 9 ppb for mercury.

Alternative grains contain less heavy metals than rice

HBBF tested 66 samples of nine rice alternatives, including quinoa, couscous, and barley. Across all non-rice grains, total heavy metal levels were consistently lower than those found in the 145 rice samples. On average, rice contained three times more total heavy metals than alternative grains, largely due to much higher arsenic levels.

These findings suggest that diets with a greater variety of grains may reduce total exposure to heavy metals.

Risks from pre-cooked rice

FDA and HBBG tests have both found that instant rice contains less arsenic than regular rice. However, these products raise other concerns. Instant rice may contain dimethylmonothioarsenate (DMMTA), a compound that results from arsenic binding with certain nutrients in rice, which may be more toxic than arsenic. Depending on the preparation method, parboiled rice may retain higher levels of arsenic, but consumers have no easy way of knowing which method was used. Lastly, ready-to-heat rice may absorb contaminants from the plastic packaging.

Why This Matters

While the risk of heavy metal poisoning from rice alone is generally low, the concern is with low-level exposures that add up over time. Chronic exposure, particularly during pregnancy, infancy, and early childhood, can affect children’s learning, behavior, and development. Heavy metals like arsenic and cadmium are also associated with increased cancer risk and heart disease⁶. Rice is just one source, but when small exposures from water, soil, consumer products, and other foods add up, the total can reach levels that affect health.

The issue is especially significant for Hispanic/Latino and Asian American families, for whom rice is often a daily staple. Among Asian American families, one in six eats rice twice a day or more⁵. Federal data show that children ages 0–2 in these groups may receive up to seven times more arsenic from rice than other children⁶. 

Until the FDA and states set protective limits and require transparent testing and labeling for rice, families can use HBBF’s tips to make safer choices to reduce exposure to heavy metals.

HBBF Recommendations 

If rice is a staple in your family’s diet, here are some steps HBBF recommends to keep the risk of heavy metal exposure as low as possible without completely cutting out rice from your meals:

• Rinse your rice or cook it like pasta: To help reduce arsenic in rice, rinse it several times before cooking. If feasible, soak the rice in water for at least 30 minutes, then drain and rinse it again. For an even greater reduction, cook it like pasta using extra water, and drain the excess water after cooking.

• Mix it up with other grains: Try quinoa, barley, couscous, or farro, which have much lower levels of heavy metals⁶. These grains are easy swaps for rice in many recipes.

• Try other rice varieties: California Calrose, Jasmine, and Basmati tend to have lower levels of heavy metals compared with other rice varieties.

• Limit precooked rice and rice-based processed foods: Unlike regular rice, instant rice and snacks, such as rice cakes and cereal bars, may contain arsenic that cannot be removed by boiling or draining it. It is best to limit eating these types of product.
• Balance rice plates with other nutrients: Pair rice with foods rich in iron, calcium, and vitamin C. These nutrients can help reduce the body’s absorption of heavy metals. Think lean meats, beans, lentils, yogurt, leafy greens, citrus, and peppers
  

Conclusion

Rice is deeply woven into cultures around the world; it’s at the heart of many beloved dishes and versatile enough to fit into countless new recipes. Because it is such an essential food, stronger and more protective standards to ensure it’s safe for everyone are critical.

While policy and industry changes take time, families can take simple steps today to reduce the risk of heavy metal exposure.

P.S. We love rice! The NvCLPPP team shared just some of our favorite rice-based dishes (see image below). I was delighted to learn how many different ways my colleagues enjoy rice for breakfast, lunch, dinner, dessert, and even as a snack. I now have two new dishes on my must-try list: Waakye and Biko. Yum!

*What’s a “ppb”?

“Parts per billion” refers to a unit of measurement used to quantify tiny amounts of something. It can be tough to picture. Imagine 1 ppb as:

• 1 penny in $10 million
• 1 inch in 15,738 miles
• 1 drop of water in a swimming pool

So when you hear “100 ppb arsenic” or “36 ppb of lead” think tiny amounts, but still important when it comes to children’s health. 

References

1. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. FAOSTAT: Food balances (2010– ). 2021 data summary. Published 2024. https://www.fao.org/faostat/en/#data/FBS
2. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Economic Research Service. Rice sector at a glance. Published 2025. https://www.ers.usda.gov/topics/crops/rice/rice-sector-at-a-glance
3. USA Rice. U.S. rice facts. https://www.usarice.com/thinkrice/discover-us-rice/us-rice-facts
4. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Supporting document for action level for inorganic arsenic in infant rice cereals. https://www.fda.gov/food/chemical-metals-natural-toxins-pesticides-guidance-documents-regulations/supporting-document-action-level-inorganic-arsenic-rice-cereals-infants
5. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Arsenic in rice and rice products risk assessment report. Published 2016. http://www.fda.gov/downloads/Food/FoodScienceResearch/RiskSafetyAssessment/UCM486543.pdf
6. Houlihan J, Naumoff K. What’s in your family’s rice? Arsenic, cadmium, and lead in popular rice brands—plus 9 safer grains to try. Healthy Babies Bright Futures. Published May 2025. https://hbbf.org/sites/default/files/2025-05/Arsenic-in-Rice-Report_May2025_R6_SECURED.pdf

The post Heavy metals in my rice? That’s not very nice! appeared first on Nevada Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program.

Product Name	Quantity	Description	Image
A-cook Aluminum Kadai size 5	43 pcs	Silver-toned, wok-style vessel with a wide, curved basin and no long handle
Aluminum Saucepan Wooden Handle 9”	56 pcs	Silver aluminum body with a 9-inch diameter and a wooden handle attached
4-Quart Pital Brass Pot	9 pcs	Dull or matte golden pot with a deep body and narrow mouth
Brass Tope	10 pcs	Standard stock pot with a bright, golden finish

Images Sourced from: FDA

Why Is This a Concern?

The recalled items were distributed to grocery stores throughout California, specifically in the Bay Area and Central Valley regions. Families in Nevada may still be affected by this recall if the item was purchased online, received from out-of-state retailers, or brought in by family and friends. Certain aluminum and brass cookware can release lead during cooking or food storage and contaminate food.

No illnesses have been reported to date. These cookware items are also included in the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Imported Cookware Warning List. 

There is no safe level of lead. Symptoms may not always be obvious, but even small amounts can harm a child’s growth, learning, and development. Exposure to large amounts of lead may cause people to experience fatigue, headache, stomach pain, vomiting, or neurologic changes. Lead can also be dangerous for pregnant people and their unborn child. Parents should check their pantries and take these next steps to protect their family from lead exposure:

What Should You Do?

1. Do not use these products to cook, serve, or store food. 
2. Do not donate or refurbish these products.
3. Return the products for a full refund. 
4. Use stainless steel, cast iron, or other safer alternatives whenever possible. 
5. Look for certified “lead-free” labels when purchasing new cookware products. 
6. Call your healthcare provider if you are concerned about potential lead exposure and ask about a blood lead level test. 
7. Questions? Contact Town Food at 718-388-5650, Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM EST. 

Read the full FDA announcement here. 

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