Uncle Ben's Infused Rice recalled due to a cluster of illnesses

Mars Foodservice is recalling Uncle Ben’s industrial sized bags (5 lb and 25 lb) of Infused Rice products after Infused Rice Mexican Flavor was linked to a cluster illnesses. The illness appears to be a chemical issue in that the symptoms occur quickly, 30 to 90 minutes after consumption. Symptoms include a red burning/itching rash, headache, nausea, and flushness of the skin. There are three reported outbreaks impacting approximately 70 people, mostly children.

FDA NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release: Feb. 10, 2014
Media Inquiries: Theresa Eisenman, 301-796-2805, theresa.eisenman@fda.hhs.gov
Consumer Inquiries: 1-888-INFO-FDA
FDA warns against using Uncle Ben’s Infused Rice

Mars Foodservices recalls all lot numbers of Infused Rice linked to recent illness in Texas

Fast Facts

Government officials are investigating a cluster of illnesses associated with Uncle Ben’s Infused Rice Mexican Flavor sold in 5- and 25-pound bags.
Out of an abundance of caution, the FDA is warning food service companies and consumers not to use any Uncle Ben’s Infused Rice products sold in 5- and 25-pound bags.
These products are sold to food service companies that typically distribute to restaurants, schools, hospitals and other commercial establishments. However, the products may be available over the Internet and at warehouse-type retailers.
Food service companies and consumers who have purchased the products should not use the rice, and should return it to their point of purchase or dispose of it.
Uncle Ben’s Brand Ready to Heat, Boxed, Bag or Cup products sold at grocery stores and other retail outlets are not being recalled.

What is the Problem and What is Being Done about the Problem?

The FDA, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and state and local officials have been investigating a cluster of illnesses associated with Uncle Ben’s Infused Rice Mexican Flavor sold in 5- and 25-pound bags.

On Feb. 7, 2014, the FDA’s Coordinated Outbreak Response and Evaluation Network (CORE) was notified of a cluster of illnesses at three public schools in Katy, Texas. Thirty-four students and four teachers experienced burning, itching rashes, headaches and nausea for 30 to 90 minutes, before the symptoms went away. Uncle Ben’s Infused Rice Mexican Flavor with the lot number 351EKGRV01, made by Mars Foodservices of Greenville, Miss., was the common food item eaten by ill students.

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.

Mars Foodservices is recalling all bags and all lot numbers of its Uncle Ben’s Infused Rice products produced in 2013:


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)

Although this product is not typically marketed to individual consumers, it may be available over the Internet and at warehouse-type retailers.

Uncle Ben’s Brand Ready to Heat, Boxed, Bag or Cup products sold at grocery stores and other retail outlets are not being recalled.

 Investigation into this outbreak continues.

What are the Symptoms of Illness/Injury?

The symptoms associated with this illness include a red burning/itching rash, headache, nausea, and flushness of the skin.

The symptoms appear very shortly after consuming the rice product and pass within 30 to 90 minutes.

What Specific Products are being Recalled?

Mars Foodservices is recalling all bags and all lot numbers of its Uncle Ben’s Infused Rice products produced in 2013:

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)

The products are sold to food service companies. However, they may be available over the Internet and at warehouse-type retailers.

Who is at Risk?

People of any age can experience symptoms. The illnesses in Texas included people of different ages (children and adults).

What Do Food Service Companies and Consumers Need To Do?
Food service companies and consumers who may have purchased the products should not use the rice, and should return it to their distributor or point of purchase or dispose of it.

What Does the Product Look Like?

Photos of Uncle Ben’s Infused Rice products can be seen here: http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm385323.htm.

Where is it Distributed?

The products are sold directly to food service companies that typically distribute to restaurants, schools, hospitals and other establishments. The products have also been found over the Internet, including Amazon and warehouse-type retailers, such as Sam’s Club.

Who Should be Contacted?
Contact your health care provider if you have sudden nausea, headaches or a burning/itching rash after eating Uncle Ben’s Infused Rice products.

The FDA encourages consumers with questions about food safety to call 1-888-SAFEFOOD Monday through Friday between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. eastern time, or to consult the fda.gov website: http://www.fda.gov/Safety/ReportaProblem/ConsumerComplaintCoordinators/default.htm.