An FDA advisory last week suggested these could have come "from the rice farm." Now there's more to the story, with a list of regions affected.
Last week, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced that a long-known rice brand, Ben’s Original (formerly Uncle Ben’s), was recalling “a limited number” of three products: Long Grain White, Whole Grain Brown, and Long Grain & Wild Ready Rice. The products were believed to contain “small, naturally occurring stones originating from the rice farm.” Today new details have emerged that could help consumers spot the products and better understand the risks they pose.
According to an October 20 update, 1,663 wholesale cases—each containing 12 retail packages, for a total of 19,956 units—were included in the recall. The possibly contaminated rice was reportedly distributed in nine states: Wisconsin, Texas, Michigan, Illinois, North Carolina, Georgia, Louisiana, California, and New Jersey.
The pre-cooked items are said to have been sold in 8.8-ounce packages at Target, HEB, Piggly Wiggly, United Market and Amazon, authorities note. However, the FDA also warns that “Impacted retailers are not limited to those listed below as additional retailers may have purchased products distributed by Associated Grocers, C&S, and Dot Foods from August through September.”
A search for the Long Grain & Wild variety on Target’s site features a product label that promotes “100% U.S. Grown Rice,” though for a different-sized unit.
The newest FDA announcement also states that the incident has been assigned a Class II risk level, the middle tier of three. The FDA’s classification means their experts determine that consuming the rice could cause “temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences” but that serious adverse effects are unlikely.
“These small stones pose possible risk of oral or digestive tract injury if consumed,” states the FDA’s original warning, dated October 14.
Those who may have purchased the pantry staple are urged to check labels for an expiration date of 08/2026, as well as the following identifying information:
Ben’s Original Ready Rice Long Grain & Wild
- UPC: 0 54800 42331 6
- Recall ID: H-0096-2026
- Production Codes: 533BMGRV22, 533CLGRV22, 533CMGRV22
Ben’s Original Ready Rice Original Long Grain White
- UPC: 0 54800 42333 0
- Recall ID: H-0097-2026
- Production Codes: 533ELGRV22, 534ALGRV22
Ben’s Original Ready Rice Whole Grain Brown
- UPC: 0 54800 42334 7
- Recall ID: H-0098-2026
- Production Codes: 534AMGRV22, 534BMGRV22, 534DMGRV22
On October 10, Mars Foods, the Chicago-based company that owns Ben’s Original, stated there had been no reports of injury or illness in relation to the recall.
