Ben’s Original rice products sold at major retailers, including Target, Amazon, and HEB, have been recalled due to dangerous stone contamination that could cause severe oral and digestive injuries to unsuspecting American families.
Story Snapshot
- Ben’s Original recalled multiple rice products due to small stones that pose injury risks if consumed.
- Contaminated products were distributed to major retailers, including Target, Amazon, HEB, Piggly Wiggly, and United Markets.
- Nine specific product batches with August 2026 expiration dates are affected by the voluntary recall.
- No illnesses reported yet, but the FDA warns of potential oral and digestive tract injuries from stone consumption.
FDA Confirms Stone Contamination Risk
The Food and Drug Administration announced that Ben’s Original issued a voluntary recall for contaminated rice products containing small, naturally occurring stones.
The stones originated from an unspecified rice farm and pose serious health risks to consumers. The FDA explicitly warned that consuming these stones could cause oral or digestive tract injuries, making this recall a critical food safety issue for American families who rely on convenient rice 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
Multiple Product Lines Affected Across Major Retailers
The recall encompasses nine specific batch codes across three Ben’s Original Ready Rice varieties: Long Grain White Rice, Whole Grain Brown Rice, and Long Grain & Wild Rice.
All affected products carry August 2026 expiration dates and were distributed through Associated Grocers, C&S, and Dot Foods between August and September 2025. The contaminated rice reached consumers through major retail chains, including Target, Amazon, HEB, Piggly Wiggly, and United Markets nationwide.
Consumer Safety Response and Next Steps
Ben’s Original announced the voluntary recall with the FDA, followed by an official notice four days later. No illnesses or injuries have been reported in connection with the contaminated rice products to date.
Consumers who purchased the affected products can contact Ben’s Original Consumer Care at 1-800-548-6253 for return information and refunds. This incident highlights the importance of checking product batch codes and expiration dates before consumption.
Food Safety Oversight Concerns
The contamination raises questions about quality control measures in the food supply chain, particularly regarding farm-level inspection processes. The FDA’s failure to identify the specific farm responsible for the stone contamination limits transparency and accountability in food safety oversight.
American families deserve better protection from preventable food safety hazards, especially when dealing with widely distributed products sold through trusted major retailers across the nation.
