Uncle Ben’s brown rice recalled because product ‘may contain glass’

‘The possible presence of glass makes this product unsafe to eat,’ says Food Standards Agency

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Uncle Ben’s has recalled its ready-to-heat brown basmati rice pouches over concerns they may contain glass.

Mars Food UK, which owns Uncle Ben’s, issued the recall for the product on Monday, with the Food Standards Agency (FSA) saying: "The possible presence of glass makes this product unsafe to eat.”

The FSA advised those who have bought the item to return it to the store where it was purchased where they will be offered a full refund.

The recall notice applies to 250g pouches of brown basmati rice purchased with a best before date ranging between 17 November and 19 July.

A notice from the manufacturer explained: “Uncle Ben’s is voluntarily recalling Uncle Ben’s Brown Basmati 250g ready to heat rice pouches with the below best before dates.

“This is a precautionary recall due to the possibility of the presence of glass”.

The recall comes after Uncle Ben’s vowed to “evolve” its brand identity in order to combat “racial bias and injustices”.

The company’s mascot character, which is depicted as a black rice grower, has long been criticised since it first appeared on the brand’s packaging in 1940.

In June, Mars Food UK issued a statement explaining its intentions to address this.

“As a global brand, we know we have a responsibility to take a stand in helping to put an end to racial bias and injustices,” the statement began.

“As we listen to the voices of consumers, especially in the black community, and to the voices of our Associates worldwide, we recognise that now is the right time to evolve the Uncle Ben’s brand, including its visual brand identity, which we will do.”