FOOD RECALLS - UNCLE BEN'S RICE RECALLED BY FDA - MADE PEOPLE SICK

 

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced a rice recall on Feb. 10. Mars Foodservices, the makers of Uncle Ben’s Rice, has recalled all bags of Uncle Ben’s Infused Rice products due to an outbreak of reported illnesses involving skin reactions. 

 

On Feb. 7, a total of 38 cases in Katy, Texas, involving three public schools – 34 students and four teachers – experienced burning, itching rashes, headaches and nausea; the symptoms subsided between 30-90 minutes.

According to FDA reports, "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."

The affected infused rice is limited to food service companies involving public schools, hospitals, restaurants, warehouse-type retailers and via internet sales that may be available to consumers.  All bags and lot numbers of Uncle Ben’s Infused Rice products produced in 2013 are affected in this recall.

 

The FDA advises commercial food establishments and consumers who have purchased the recalled rice products should not use the rice; they may be returned to the place where they were purchased or dispose of them immediately.  As active investigation continues, the FDA lists the following rice products subject to recall out of Mars Foodservices:

• 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)

Source -  http://www.examiner.com/article/rice-recall-uncle-ben-s-infused-rice-sickens-children-and-adults?cid=PROG-NewsDM-Article-RiceRecall-021114-12.00PM

Also here - http://www.latimes.com/food/dailydish/la-dd-uncle-bens-rice-recall-20140211,0,1485526.story#axzz2t4gZiC2K

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