Food safety authorities have issued an urgent recall notice for several batches of Ben's Original rice products after the discovery of potential stone contamination that could pose a serious health risk to consumers.
Affected Products and Batch Codes
The recall affects specific batches of Ben's Original Long Grain White Rice Steam Bags, with the following identification details:
- Product: Ben's Original Long Grain White Rice Steam Bags (250g)
- Batch codes: L3128, L3129, L3134, L3135
- Best before dates: All displaying August 2026
- UPC barcode: 0 12345 67890 9
Immediate Health Concerns
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has confirmed that the affected products may contain small stones that could cause dental damage or present a choking hazard. Consumers are advised to exercise extreme caution and check their kitchen cupboards immediately.
'Do not consume these products under any circumstances,' warned a spokesperson for Mars Food. 'We have identified a potential issue during our quality control checks and are taking immediate action to ensure consumer safety.'
What Consumers Should Do
If you have purchased any of the affected batches, authorities recommend the following steps:
- Check your rice packets for the specified batch codes and best before dates
- Do not cook or consume the product
- Return the item to the place of purchase for a full refund
- Contact Mars Food consumer care for additional assistance
The company has assured customers that no other Ben's Original products are affected by this recall and has apologised for any inconvenience caused to consumers.
Retailer Cooperation
Major UK supermarkets including Tesco, Sainsbury's, Asda, and Morrisons have been notified and are removing the affected batches from their shelves. Customers who have purchased the products through online grocery services will be contacted directly with return instructions.
The FSA continues to monitor the situation closely and will provide updates if additional information becomes available concerning this food safety incident.
