D.C. -- Scientists at Dartmouth College call it "hidden arsenic," high levels of the poison discovered in organic brown rice syrup, a commonly used organic sweetener.
Researchers found arsenic in two toddler formulas, made by Nature's One, that listed organic brown rice syrup as an ingredient.
One had a total arsenic concentration six-times the arsenic level the EPA allows in drinking water. Meanwhile, the infant formulas without organic brown rice had low levels of arsenic.
Arsenic was also found in 22 out of 29 cereal or energy bars that contained rice syrup, rice flour, rice grain or rice flakes. And in high "energy shots" that contain rice products.
Unsettling news to parents in Los Angeles Thursday.
"I wouldn't consume that if I had known that and I certainly wouldn't give that to my child," said one parent.
Once used as a pesticide, arsenic tends to stay in the soil where it's absorbed by new crops like rice.
Long-term exposure has been linked to cancer.
In recent months, the Dr. Oz show and consumer reports have both reported finding high levels of arsenic in apple and grape juice.
"Just because the label says "natural" doesn't mean that it is safe, healthy or good for you," said Dr. Jerome A. Paulson of the Children's National Medical Center.
While the EPA regulates the amount of arsenic allowed in water, there are no regulations on arsenic in juice or food. Consumer advocates say that needs to change.
"We think its time for the government to set standards to lower the levels of arsenic and lead in the juices and foods our families consume," said Ami Gadhia of the Consumer's Union.
Thursday, the FDA said it began studying arsenic levels in rice just last October.
Meanwhile, Nature's One says independent tests have shown arsenic levels were "undetectable" in its toddler formula.
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