Ben’s Original Recalls Ready Rice Over Safety Risk

Shoppers, it is pantry check time. Ben’s Original has issued a voluntary recall of select Ready Rice products after the company found that some pouches may contain small, naturally occurring stones from a rice farm. The brand says this is a limited issue tied to specific batches. No injuries or illnesses have been reported as of Friday.

Foreign objects in packaged food can cause injuries, and 2025 has seen a steady cadence of food alerts for damaged products, contamination, and undeclared allergens. The FDA recognizes nine major food allergens in the United States, which is why precise labeling and rapid recalls are critical for public health. In this case, the risk is not allergen related but physical: as the alert states, “These small stones pose possible risk of oral or digestive tract injury if consumed.”

The Batches Under Recall

Ben’s Original says the recall covers three varieties of Ready Rice with “Best By” dates in August 2026. Check the bottom seal on the back of your pouch for these batch codes:

• Ready Rice Long Grain White: 533ELGRV22; 534ALGRV22. The 534ALGRV22 batch was sold at H-E-B.

• Ready Rice Whole Grain Brown: 534AMGRV22; 534BMGRV22; 534DMGRV22. The 534AMGRV22 batch was sold at Target, and 534DMGRV22 at H-E-B.

• Ready Rice Long Grain & Wild: 533BMGRV22; 533CLGRV22; 533CMGRV22. Batch 533CMGRV22 was sold at H-E-B, Amazon, and Piggly Wiggly, while 533CLGRV22 was sold at United Markets.

The company notes that impacted retailers are not limited to those listed. Additional stores may have received inventory through wholesalers Associated Grocers, C&S, and Dot Foods from August through September.

What to Do if You Have a Recalled Pouch

Do not eat it. Take a clear photo of the batch code for your records, then contact Ben’s Original Consumer Care at 1-800-548-6253 to start a return and get your questions answered. The line operates Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Central and on weekends from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Central. You can also return the product to the retailer for a refund according to store policy.

Ben’s Original calls this an isolated issue that affects only the batches listed and says it is removing affected products from shelves while notifying consumers. The brand emphasizes it is acting out of an abundance of caution and that no other Ben’s Original products are involved.

Quick Safety Checklist

• Verify the batch code and Best By date on the bottom back seal.

• If your pouch matches a recalled code, do not consume it.

• Start a return through Ben’s Original Consumer Care or your retailer.

• If anyone in your household may have consumed product with a stone and experiences pain or injury, contact a healthcare provider.

Food recalls can feel routine, but this one is worth acting on right away. A minute spent checking the code on your rice could prevent a cracked tooth or a trip to urgent care.

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