Along with fast food, you may have to question the rice you feed your kids.
A special brand of Uncle Ben’s rice served in schools and restaurants has been recalled today by the Food and Drug Administration, after children experienced rashes and nausea in Katy, TX. The FDA was notified of the issue on Feb. 7, after 34 students from three public schools in Katy experienced burning, itching, and headaches just 30 minutes after eating the brand’s Infused Mexican Rice Flavor.
According to the Washington Post, the Infused Rice products are strictly wholesale products, so regular consumers won’t have to worry.
Mars Foodservices, of Greenville, Miss., is recalling 5- and 25-pound bags of the rice, known as Uncle Ben’s Infused Rice products. Uncle Ben’s products sold in supermarkets and other retail outlets are not involved in the recall. Although the recalled product is not typically marketed to individual consumers, it may be available over the Internet and at warehouse-type retailers.
In a statement from the company, they claim that the high levels of Niacin, or Vitamin B3, could be the reason behind the allergic reactions.
“It appears that the reaction may be related to an excessive amount of niacin enrichment of the product,” the statement said. “Enrichment of rice with niacin is required under federal and state standards,” it continued.
The following flavors were recalled:
•UNCLE BEN’S INFUSED Rice Roasted Chicken Flavor (5- and 25-pound sizes)
•UNCLE BEN’S INFUSED Rice Garlic & Butter Flavor (5-pound size)
•UNCLE BEN’S INFUSED Rice Mexican Flavor (5- and 25-pound sizes)
•UNCLE BEN’S INFUSED Rice Pilaf (5-pound size)
•UNCLE BEN’S INFUSED Rice Saffron Flavor (5-pound size)
•UNCLE BEN’S INFUSED Rice Cheese Flavor (5-pound size)
•UNCLE BEN’S INFUSED Rice Spanish Flavor (25-pound size)
Be careful out there, folks.
SOURCE: Washington Post | PHOTO CREDIT: Getty
