Nationwide Rice Recall As FDA Issues Risk Warning
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A nationwide recall of multiple rice products has been issued with the second-highest risk classification by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
NatureMills US Inc., a Texas-based company, issued a voluntary recall for numerous products on May 13 because of the undeclared presence of allergens, including milk and wheat.
The FDA issued a Class II risk classification for the recalled rice products on June 25.
Newsweek contacted NatureMills US Inc. for comment by email.
A stock image shows rice following NatureMills US Inc. issuing of a voluntary recall for various rice products.
A stock image shows rice following NatureMills US Inc. issuing of a voluntary recall for various rice products.
Silas Stein/picture-alliance/dpa/AP Images
Why It Matters
A Class II risk classification refers to a situation in which the "use of or exposure to a violative product may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences or where the probability of serious adverse health consequences is remote," according to the FDA.
Milk and wheat are among the nine major food allergens as set out in law. The others are eggs, fish, crustacean shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, sesame and soybeans.
The FDA warned that people who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to milk and wheat "run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reactions if they consume these products."
Allergic reactions vary in severity from mild symptoms such as hives and lip swelling, to life-threatening complications such as anaphylaxis that may include fatal respiratory problems.
What To Know
The recalled rice products for which the FDA has issued Class II risk classifications are:
Sesame Rice Mix, 200g - 6712 units - undeclared milk - codes: SRMIXG / SRMXIIG / SRMVH - best-by dates: October 2025, January 2026 and June 2026.
Dal Garlic Rice Mix, 200g - 6712 units - undeclared milk and wheat - codes: DRMIXG / DRMXIIG / DRMVH - best-by dates: October 2025, January 2026, June 2026.
Moringa Rice Mix, 200g - undeclared wheat - 6712 units - codes: MRMIXG / MRMXIIG / MRMVH - best-by dates: October 2025, January 2026, June 2026.
Vallarai Rice Mix, 200g - undeclared wheat - 6712 units - codes: VRMIXG / VRMXIIG / VRMVH - best-by dates: October 2025, January 2026, June 2026.
Horsegram Rice Mix, 200g - undeclared wheat - 6712 units - codes: HRMIXG / HRMXIIG / HRMVH - best-by dates: October 2025, January 2026, June 2026.
Curry Leaf Rice Mix, 200g - undeclared wheat - 6712 units - codes: CRMIXG / CRMXIIG / CRMVIIH - best-by dates: June 2026, August 2026
The products were sold between December 1, 2023 and May 10, 2025 and were distributed throughout the US through the firm's website.
The FDA said that the recall was initiated after a routine internal audit found missing ingredients and allergen labels. It added that the problem was the result of an oversight in the packaging process, and that measures were taken to resolve the issue immediately.
As of May 13, no illnesses had been reported in connection with recalled products.
What People Are Saying
The FDA says on its website: "People with food allergies should read labels and avoid the foods they are allergic to. The law requires that food labels identify the food source of all major food allergens used to make the food."
Dr. Sebastian Lighvani, the director of New York Allergy & Asthma PLLC, previously told Newsweek: "Every three minutes in the United States, someone ends up in an emergency room because of an allergic reaction after accidental ingestion of food. So even when we try hard, these reactions are happening. And if you look at the incidence of anaphylaxis, it has skyrocketed in the last five, 10, 20 years. And in the U.S., there's like a 300 to 400 percent increase in the rates of anaphylaxis to foods."
What Happens Next
The recall of the products is listed as ongoing, according to the FDA.
Consumers who purchased the items and are allergic to milk and wheat have been told not to consume them. They can contact NatureMills US Inc. for a full refund or replacement.
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