Ben’s Original rice products, sold at major retailers such as Target, Amazon, and HEB, are being recalled after dangerous stones were discovered that could cause serious oral and digestive injuries to unsuspecting American families.
Story Snapshot
- Ben’s Original recalls multiple rice varieties due to stone contamination, posing injury risks.
- Products distributed to major retailers, including Target, Amazon, HEB, and others, from August to September 2025.
- FDA confirms small stones originated from a rice farm, but won’t identify which facility.
- No injuries reported yet, but consumers urged to check batch codes and return affected product.s
FDA Issues Safety Warning for Stone-Contaminated Rice Products
The Food and Drug Administration announced Tuesday that Ben’s Original issued a voluntary recall for several rice products after discovering small stones that pose potential risks of oral or digestive tract injury.
The contamination affects Ready Rice varieties, including Long Grain White Rice, Whole Grain Brown Rice, and Long Grain & Wild Rice, with specific batch codes and August 2026 expiration dates. The FDA’s notice emphasizes the serious safety concerns posed by these naturally occurring stones to consumers who unknowingly consume contaminated products.
Ben’s Original™ Issues Voluntary Recall of Select Ben's Original Long Grain White, Whole Grain Brown, and Long Grain & Wild Ready Rice Products Due to Possible Presence of Small Stones from Farm https://t.co/ohyq8DQOBg pic.twitter.com/oITKmwDieU
— U.S. FDA Recalls (@FDArecalls) October 14, 2025
Distribution Network Spans Major Retail Chains Nationwide
The recalled rice products reached consumers through Associated Grocers, C&S, and Dot Foods distribution networks between August and September 2025. Major retailers affected include Target, Amazon, HEB, Piggly Wiggly, and United Markets, representing a significant portion of America’s grocery infrastructure.
This widespread distribution highlights how quality control failures can rapidly affect millions of households across the country, underscoring the importance of robust food safety protocols before products reach store shelves.
Specific Products and Batch Codes Identified for Consumer Safety
Ben’s Original Ready Rice Long Grain White Rice carries batch codes 533ELGRV22 and 534ALGRV22, while the Whole Grain Brown Rice includes batch codes 534AMGRV22, 534BMGRV22, and 534DMGRV22. The Long Grain & Wild Rice variety contains batch codes 533BMGRV22, 533CLGRV22, and 533CMGRV22.
All affected products share August 2026 best-by dates, making identification straightforward for concerned consumers. The FDA’s detailed documentation provides clear guidance for families to check their pantries and protect themselves from potential harm.
Consumer Response and Company Accountability Measures
Ben’s Original announced the recall four days before the FDA’s public notice, demonstrating appropriate transparency in addressing the safety issue. No illnesses or injuries have been reported in connection with this recall, suggesting the company acted responsibly upon discovering the contamination.
Consumers can contact Ben’s Original Consumer Care at 1-800-548-6253 for return information and assistance. The FDA notably refused to identify which rice farm originated the stone contamination, raising questions about supply chain accountability and transparency in food safety investigations.
