Uncle Ben's infused rice products recalled after 'allergic-like'reactions
food safety
By Jethro Mullen
(CNN) — The company that makes some Uncle Ben’s products says it is recalling bags of flavored rice after people developed flushing and rashes after eating one of the rice varieties.
The affected products, known as Uncle Ben’s Infused Rice, are sold in 5 pound and 25 pound bags through wholesale distributors, said Mars Foodservices, the company that produces them.
The recall doesn’t involve Uncle Ben’s brand products sold in supermarkets — such as ready to heat, boxed, bag or cup items — which are manufactured separately, the company said in a statement.
Mars Foodservices said it found out last week that some people at three Houston schools had “experienced allergic-like symptoms of mild flushing and rash” after eating Uncle Ben’s Mexican Flavor Infused Rice.
At that point, the company said, it decided to remove all its infused riced products from the supply chain.
“Our network of distributors, brokers, and sales associates immediately started notifying their customers and collecting the product,” Mars Foodservices said.
But the company found that “a limited amount” of the rice is on sale through websites and at some wholesale stores.
“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 company said it is “continuing to work closely” with the Food and Drug Administration to investigate the matter.
Besides the Mexican flavor, Uncle Ben’s infused rice comes in roasted chicken, pilaf, saffron, cheese, Spanish and garlic and butter varieties.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced a rice recall on Feb. 10. Mars Foodservices, the makers of Uncle Ben’s Rice, has recalled all bags of Uncle Ben’s Infused Rice products due to an outbreak of reported illnesses involving skin reactions.
On Feb. 7, a total of 38 cases in Katy, Texas, involving three public schools – 34 students and four teachers – experienced burning, itching rashes, headaches and nausea; the symptoms subsided between 30-90 minutes.
According to FDA reports, "On Dec. 4, 2013, the Illinois Department of Public Health notified CDC of 25 children with similar skin reactions following a school lunch that served an Uncle Ben’s Infused Rice product. North Dakota reported a similar incident that occurred on Oct. 30, 2013. Three children in a daycare and one college student experienced flushing reactions 45 minutes after consuming an Uncle Ben’s Infused Rice product."
The affected infused rice is limited to food service companies involving public schools, hospitals, restaurants, warehouse-type retailers and via internet sales that may be available to consumers.
All bags and lot numbers of Uncle Ben’s Infused Rice products produced in 2013 are affected in this recall.
The FDA advises commercial food establishments and consumers who have purchased the recalled rice products should not use the rice; they may be returned to the place where they were purchased or dispose of them immediately.
As active investigation continues, the FDA lists the following rice products subject to recall out of Mars Foodservices:
UNCLE BEN’S INFUSED Rice Roasted Chicken Flavor (5- and 25-pounds)
UNCLE BEN’S INFUSED Rice Garlic & Butter Flavor (5-pounds)
UNCLE BEN’S INFUSED Rice Mexican Flavor (5- and 25-pounds)
UNCLE BEN’S INFUSED Rice Pilaf (5-pounds)
UNCLE BEN’S INFUSED Rice Saffron Flavor (5-pounds)
UNCLE BEN’S INFUSED Rice Cheese Flavor (5-pounds)
UNCLE BEN'S INFUSED Rice Spanish Flavor (25-pounds)
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