Rice from Guyana and Chile has about the same amount of lead and cadmium — no big difference between the two countries.

What we've found so far is that rice from Guyana and Chile appears to have similar levels of lead and cadmium. The evidence we've reviewed does not show a significant difference between the two countries in this regard [1]. Our analysis of the available research suggests that the amounts of these elements in rice from both countries are about the same. This conclusion is based on a single assertion supported by 26.0 studies or data points, with no studies indicating a meaningful contrast [1]. While the number of supporting data points is high, we are only working with one distinct claim at this time. That means our current understanding is limited to this single line of evidence, even if it is backed by a substantial body of supporting analysis. We do not yet know whether differences might appear with more detailed or varied testing methods, different rice varieties, or broader sampling across regions within each country. Because we only have one assertion to evaluate, our view is narrow. We cannot rule out the possibility that future evidence might reveal patterns we’re not seeing now. It’s important to note that we are not saying lead and cadmium levels are identical in every sample, nor are we making any health judgment about the safety of rice from either country. We are simply reporting what this specific evidence indicates: no major difference has been found so far. Practical takeaway: If you're choosing rice based on where it's grown, this evidence doesn’t give you a clear reason to pick one country over the other when it comes to lead and cadmium levels.