Select Uncle Ben's products have been recalled, after customers experienced allergic reactions upon consuming certain kinds of the company's rice.
Mars Foodservices, the corporation that distributes Uncle Ben's grains, told CNN some buyers complained of rashes and flushing after eating the Mexican Flavored Infused Rice.
The rice, which is sold in five pound and 25 pound sizes, is the only item from the company's spread of boxed, cupped and ready-to-heat products involved in the recall.
Officials stated some young people at three different schools in Houston, Texas "experienced allergic-like symptoms of mild flushing and rash," once they'd eaten Uncle Ben's Mexican Flavored Infused Rice. Mars Foodservices representatives told CNN they immediately spread the word about the affected product.
"Our network of distributors, brokers and sales associates immediately started notifying their customers and collecting the product," the company told CNN.
Initially, the company had intentions to sever all varieties of the infused rice from the Uncle Ben's lineup. But Mars soon realized that some of the products were being sold by wholesalers and through other websites.
"Therefore, we initiated the voluntary recall to ensure that anyone in possession of the product is aware that it should not be served or eaten, but returned to where it was purchased," the statement from Mars Foodservices read.
Mars and Uncle Ben's representatives are said to be working with the Food and Drug Administration on a probe into the issue.
