Rice Recall: Students Experienced ‘Allergic Reactions And Rashes’ From Uncle Ben’s

A rice recall has been ordered by the company that makes some of the Uncle Ben’s products. The rice being recalled is flavored rice from the Uncle Ben’s ‘Infused’ rice range.

The recall comes after at least three Houston schools were affected by what is considered to be contaminated rice, which poses a risk to public health. In some cases, students developed hot flushes while others broke out in serious rashes similar to those bought on by an allergic reaction.

The affected rice is sold in five pound and 25 pound bags via wholesale distributors only. The company has stressed that the current rice recall does not involve any Uncle Ben’s brand products which are sold in supermarkets.

Those include ready to heat, boxed, bag, and cup rices which are manufactured in a separate facility from the infused rice range. Mars Foodservices said in a statement that the Houston schools which were affected by the contaminated rice came from the Uncle Ben’s Mexican Flavor Infused Rice range.

After the allergic reactions at the various Houston schools, the company confirmed that it had removed all of its infused rices from the supply chain: “Our network of distributors, brokers, and sales associates immediately started notifying their customers and collecting the product,” they said.

They continued to warn consumers that the product should not be prepared or consumed and should be returned to the place of purchase:

“Therefore, we initiated the voluntary recall to ensure that anyone in possession of the product is aware that it should not be served or eaten, but returned to where it was purchased,” Mars Foodservices said.

The Uncle Ben’s Infused Rice recall includes the following flavors and package sizes:

– Uncle Ben’s Infused Rice Roasted Chicken Flavor (5- and 25-pound bags)

– Uncle Ben’s Infused Rice Garlic and Butter Flavor (5-pound bags)

– Uncle Ben’s Infused Rice Mexican Flavor (5- and 25-pound bags)

– Uncle Ben’s Infused Rice Pilaf (5-pound bags)

– Uncle Ben’s Infused Rice Saffron Flavor (5-pound bags)

– Uncle Ben’s Infused Rice Cheese Flavor (5-pound bags)

– Uncle Ben’s Infused Rice Spanish Flavor (25-pound bags)