Uncle Ben’s Infused Rice Recall: FDA Warns Against Recent Illnesses due to Product

Several unusual illnesses in Texas, Illinois and North Dakota had been confirmed due to a lot of Uncle Ben's Infused Rice produced in 2013, including the following, courtesy of a press release from the FDA:

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 organization notes that these products were sold to food service companies that are typically distributed to restaurants, hospitals, schools and other commercial establishments, with some of the products that still may be available over the Internet and at warehouse-type retailers.

According to the FDA, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and both state and local officials, they have all been investigating a cluster of illnesses that include Uncle Ben's Infused Rice Mexican Flavor, sold in both 3- and 25-pound bags.

Officials note that the FDA's Coordinated Outbreak Response and Evaluation Network (CORE) was notified regarding a cluster of illnesses at three public schools in Katy, Tex. on Feb. 7, 2014. Many of those experiencing issues due to the food often had symptoms that involved burning, itching rashes, nausea for 30 to 90 minutes and headaches.

An outbreak of the health issue was also connected to 24 children with similar skin reactions following a school lunch served Uncle Ben's Infused Rice product according to the Illinois Department of Public Health on Dec. 4, 2013.

FDA tests have shown that the lunches contained high levels of niacin or vitamin B3. Such overexposure can lead to red, itchy and dry skin. Larger doses can even result in nausea, according to an FDA spokesperson.

"It appears that the reaction may be related to an excessive amount of niacin enrichment of the product," said an Uncle Ben's spokesperson, courtesy of Food Safety News. "Tests of samples of the product involved in the December incident indicated a higher than normal amount of niacin in the product.  Enrichment of rice with niacin is required under federal and state standards."