Full Breakdown
Ben's Original Rice Products Recalled Due to Stone Contamination Risk
10/16/2025, 2:57:50 AM
Overview of the Recall
Ben's Original has issued a voluntary recall of select Ready Rice products due to the potential presence of small, naturally occurring stones that may pose a risk of oral or digestive tract injury if consumed. The affected products include Ben's Original Ready Rice Long Grain White, Whole Grain Brown, and Long Grain & Wild Rice, all with a best-by date of August 2026.
Affected Products and Distribution
The specific batch codes for the recalled products are as follows:
- Long Grain White Rice: Batch codes 533ELGRV22 and 534ALGRV22
- Whole Grain Brown Rice: Batch codes 534AMGRV22, 534BMGRV22, and 534DMGRV22
- Long Grain & Wild Rice: Batch codes 533BMGRV22, 533CLGRV22, and 533CMGRV22
These products were distributed to various retailers, including HEB, Target, Amazon, United Markets, and Piggly Wiggly, between August and September 2025. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) noted that additional retailers may have also received these products through distributors such as Associated Grocers, C&S, and Dot Foods.
Official Statements & Responses
Ben's Original has stated that this recall is an isolated incident limited to the specified batches, asserting that no other products are affected. The company is actively removing the impacted products from store shelves and notifying consumers as part of its commitment to transparency. As of the recall announcement, there have been no reported injuries or illnesses associated with the affected products.
Criticism & Opposition
While the recall has been framed as a precautionary measure, some consumer advocates have raised concerns about the frequency of food recalls and the potential risks associated with food contamination. They emphasize the need for stricter quality control measures in food production to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future.
Verbatim Quotes
- “These small stones pose possible risk of oral or digestive tract injury if consumed.” — U.S. Food and Drug Administration
- “This is an isolated issue limited to these batches - no other Ben’s Original products are affected.” — Ben's Original
What's Next
Consumers who have purchased any of the recalled products are advised not to consume them and to contact Ben's Original Consumer Care at 1-800-548-6253 for a refund or return. The customer service line is available from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Central Standard Time (CST) on weekdays and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekends.
In summary, the recall of Ben's Original rice products highlights the importance of consumer awareness regarding food safety and the need for vigilance in monitoring food products for potential contamination.
