We've now learned the nine states affected, and that almost 20,000 packages were pulled from stores like Target, H-E-B, and others.
It’s arguably the best-known rice brand on shelves, even after its 2020 name change from Uncle Ben’s to “Ben’s Original” when its owner company of nearly 100 years, Mars, Inc., said the company “aimed to create a more inclusive future.”
It’s certainly trusted, and Mars seemed swift to respond last October when it was discovered that three varieties of rice may have the “possible presence of small, naturally occurring stones originating from the rice farm.” The FDA’s October recall announcement listed retailers impacted by the recall as Amazon, H-E-B, Piggly Wiggly, Target, and United Markets. At that time, the FDA added: “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.”
Today an FDA update reveals that the three products—Ben’s Original Long Grain White, Whole Grain Brown, and Long Grain & Wild Ready Rice—were distributed to those retailers in the following states: California, Georgia, Illinois, Louisiana, Michigan, New Jersey, North Carolina, Texas, and Wisconsin. Further, we’ve learned that a reported total of 19,956 eight-ounce packages were pulled.
The initial recall stated no injuries or illnesses had been reported at that time, and it appeared the recall was being executed out of an abundance of caution because, as the advisory stated, the potential stones could “pose possible risk of oral or digestive tract injury if consumed.” Today’s FDA update also notes that a Class II risk level has been assigned, indicating what FDA experts have determined to be “a situation in which use of or exposure to a violative product may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences or where the probability of serious adverse health consequences is remote.”
Expiration dates on the recalled rice remain active through August 2026. Other identifying details provided by the FDA today:
- Ben’s Original Ready Rice Long Grain & Wild, UPC 0 54800 42331 6, lot codes 533BMGRV22, 533CLGRV22, 533CMGRV22
- Ben’s Original Ready Rice Original Long Grain White, UPC 0 54800 42333 0, lot codes 533ELGRV22, 534ALGRV22
- Ben’s Original Ready Rice Whole Grain Brown, UPC 0 54800 42334 7, lot codes 534AMGRV22, 534BMGRV22, 534DMGRV22
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