Colchester, Vermont - Many people turn to organic products to avoid ingredients that might not be good for you.
They use substitutes, including organic brown rice syrup, instead of other sweeteners.
UVM Assistant Professor of chemistry Rory Waterman says what most health conscious people don't know is that rice could grow in water containing arsenic.
"One of the problems with arsenic is it builds up and it is difficult to displace from the body so continued exposure is bad," said Waterman.
Dartmouth College researchers tested a number of baby food items containing the rice syrup.
Two of the formulas had arsenic; one of them had high levels.
And 22 of the cereal bars tested had it as well.
"This is not going to kill you. This is certainly not panic worthy. It's something that merits measured concern," said Waterman.
The ingredient isn't just used in kid's products it's found in a number of items like this protein bar.
But experts say what's so troubling about this new study is there's been lots of testing on adults with arsenic but been very little when it comes to infants.
What's even more amazing Waterman says the FDA doesn't test for arsenic.
But he says that might change after this study.
"I think parents should do a little bit more research in this. I think there's going to be a lot more discussion about it so there will be good recommendations probably pretty soon," said Waterman.
As for which products tested positive for arsenic, we don't know, because the Dartmouth College study didn't list them.
