Tackling Heavy Metals with the Cereals & Grains Association

ST. PAUL, MN – Hundreds of nutritionists, food scientists, agronomists, and students gathered here last week for the 2025 Chemistry, Quality, and Technical Conference for two days of seminars, panel discussions, and review of some of the latest scientific research in cereals and grains.  Session tracks covered food safety, ingredient quality and functionality, production technology and optimization, protein technology, and more.

USA Rice VP of Communications & Strategic Development Michael Klein was tapped to participate in the session, “Beyond the Usual Suspects: Addressing Emerging Contaminants in Cereal Grain Systems,” along with Dr. Gary P. Munkvold of Iowa State University and Dr. Arlene Adviento-Borbe of USDA-ARS.

Munkvold discussed how climate change is reshaping the geographical distribution and risk of mycotoxins in the U.S. Corn Belt and beyond, while Klein and Adviento-Borbe focused on heavy metals and rice.  Klein covered current knowledge, consumer perceptions, policy responses from USA Rice, and working with the public, media, and regulatory agencies.  Adviento-Borbe’s pre-recorded talk addressed heavy metal contaminants—particularly arsenic and cadmium—and implications for sustainable rice production.

The session was developed by Dr. Griffiths Atungulu, University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture; Rusty Bautista with RiceTec; and Dr. Luis Sabillon, New Mexico State University, and attended by more than two dozen participants.

The Cereals & Grains Association is a global, nonprofit association of scientists and food industry professionals working to advance the understanding and knowledge of cereal grain science and its product development applications through research, leadership, education, technical service, and advocacy.