Uncle Ben’s Infused Rice products, sold in 5-lb. and 25-lb. bags primarily at the institutional level, are being recalled or potentially high levels of niacin that could cause illness, according to the Texas Department of State Health Services. The rice was distributed on Texas and possibly other states. Consumers or organizations that have purchased this rice should not use it.
The recall was issued after a group of schoolchildren in Katy, TX became ill after eating the rice. High levels of niacin can cause skin irritations, such as redness, flushing, dryness and itchiness. Sometimes there is also nausea or indigestion. Symptoms appear shortly after ingestion and last 30 to 90 minutes. People liver injury or liver disease are at risk for more serious illness.
The rice was sold primarily for institutional use such as schools, nursing homes, hospitals and prisons, but some consumers may have purchased it online or at warehouse clubs. The recalled products were produced since Jan. 1, 2013 and include: Uncle Ben’s Infused Rice Roasted Chicken Flavor in 5-pound and 25-pound bags; Uncle Ben’s Infused Rice Garlic and Butter Flavor in 5-pound bags; Uncle Ben’s Infused Rice Mexican Flavor 5-pound and 25-pound bags; Uncle Ben’s Infused Rice Pilaf in 5-pound bags; Uncle Ben’s Infused Rice Saffron Flavor in 5-pound bags and Uncle Ben’s Infused Rice Spanish Flavor in 25-pound bags. A separate recall issued by the company on Jan. 2 and included Uncle Ben’s Infused Rice Mexican Flavor.
The Texas health department is working with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration on the investigation of the recall.
