A recall of Ben’s Original rice products due to the possible presence of stones has been issued the second-highest risk classification by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Ben’s Original, a familiar name on American dinner tables, announced a voluntary recall for specific batches of three rice products on October 10. The FDA later issued a Class II risk classification for the recall on October 20.
Newsweek contacted Mars, Ben’s Originals parent company, via online form for comment.
Why It Matters
A Class II risk classification, one of three, refers to a situation in which the “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,” according to the FDA.
The FDA warned that the naturally occurring stones could pose a risk of oral or digestive tract injuries if consumed.
What To Know
The voluntary recall encompasses specific lots of three popular products:
- Ben’s Original Ready Rice Long Grain White Rice – batch codes: 533ELGRV22, 534ALGRV22 – best by date: 8/2026
- Ben’s Original Ready Rice Whole Grain Brown Rice – batch codes 534AMGRV22, 534BMGRV22, 534DMGRV22 – best by date: 8/2026
- Ben’s Original Ready Rice Long Grain & Wild Rice – batch codes: 533BMGRV22, 533CLGRV22, 533CMGRV22 – best by date: 8/2026
Batch codes are printed along the bottom seal of the back of each package. Consumers are advised to check these codes carefully as only these specific lots are subject to the recall.
The affected products were distributed in Wisconsin, Texas, Michigan, Illinois, North Carolina, Georgia, Louisiana, California and New Jersey, the FDA said. Retailers affected by the recall include Amazon, Target, HEB, Piggly Wiggly, and United Markets.
As of October 14, no illnesses or injuries had been reported by the FDA in connection with the consumption of the recalled products.
What People Are Saying
Ben’s Original said in the FDA recall notice: “This is an isolated issue limited to these batches— no other Ben’s Original products are affected.
“In line with our commitment to transparency and trust, we are taking action to remove the impacted products from the stores where they were sent and to notify consumers.”
Dr. Mark Fischer, regional medical director at International SOS, told Newsweek previously: “It can be dangerous to consume metals or other foreign objects found in food… [They] can cause cuts or internal injury and may need to be removed via a surgical procedure. If you swallow any foreign objects, it’s best to consult a healthcare professional.”
Darin Detwiler, a professor of food policy at Northeastern University, previously told Newsweek: “While not as urgent as Class I recalls, Class II recalls should still be heeded, and the products should be returned or disposed of according to the instructions provided.”
What Happens Next
The recall is listed as ongoing, according to the FDA. Consumers in possession of any of the recalled rice products should not consume them. Instead, they are advised to contact Ben’s Original consumer care for returns and refunds.
Full product and recall details are updated regularly on the FDA Recall Enforcement Reports webpage.
