A popular white jasmine rice product has been added to a growing list of food recalls in the United States, and consumers in 13 states are being urged to check their kitchen cabinets.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has updated its recall information involving Lundberg Family Farms White Jasmine Rice, increasing the number of affected packages to more than 27,000. The recall involves concerns about the possible presence of foreign material in the product.
The affected rice was sold in 2-pound, or 32-ounce, packages through several major grocery retailers. While the company says the affected product was removed from store shelves months ago, consumers may still have bags stored in their pantries or kitchens.
Here is what shoppers need to know about the Lundberg rice recall, including the affected product, lot numbers, states involved and what to do if you have one of the recalled packages.
Lundberg White Jasmine Rice Recall Expands
The recall was initially announced in April after concerns arose about possible foreign material contamination involving a particular production run of Lundberg Family Farms jasmine rice.
At the time, approximately 4,500 cases were reported as affected. The FDA has now updated the recall information, with 27,324 packages included in the expanded recall. That represents approximately 54,648 pounds of rice.
The affected product is Lundberg Family Farms White Jasmine Rice, packaged in 32-ounce bags.
The issue does not mean that every bag of Lundberg rice is affected. The recall applies specifically to products matching the identifying information provided by the FDA.
The company has said the incident was limited to a single production run and that no illnesses had been reported in connection with consumption of the affected product.
Which Rice Is Included in the Recall?
Consumers should look at the packaging carefully rather than relying only on the brand name.
The recalled product can be identified using the following information:
Product: Lundberg Family Farms White Jasmine Rice
Package size: 32 ounces (2 pounds)
UPC: 073416-040281
Two lot numbers and corresponding best-before dates have been identified:
- Lot 260201MA — Best Before: February 1, 2027
- Lot 260202MA — Best Before: February 2, 2027
If you have a bag matching these details, it is important not to consume it.
The recall is related to potential foreign material contamination. The specific foreign material has not been publicly identified in the information currently available.
Rice Was Sold in 13 States
The recalled jasmine rice was distributed across multiple parts of the United States.
The states identified in the updated recall information include:
- California
- Connecticut
- Florida
- Illinois
- Louisiana
- North Carolina
- New Hampshire
- New York
- Pennsylvania
- Tennessee
- Virginia
- Washington
- Wisconsin
That means consumers who live in these states—or who may have purchased groceries while traveling—should take a moment to check their pantry.
The recalled rice was reportedly available through major retailers, including Wegmans, Target, Walmart, Giant and Whole Foods, although the exact retail distribution may vary by location.
What Is the Concern With the Recalled Rice?
The primary concern behind the recall is the possible presence of foreign material.
Foreign material can create a physical safety concern if it is accidentally consumed. Because the exact material involved has not been publicly specified in the information available, consumers should not attempt to inspect or cook a questionable package and assume it is safe.
The FDA has classified the recall as Class II. According to the information reported with the updated recall, that classification applies when exposure to a recalled product may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences, while the likelihood of serious health consequences is considered remote.
That classification does not mean consumers should ignore the recall. Instead, anyone who finds a package matching the recalled identification information should follow the recall instructions and avoid eating the product.
What Should You Do If You Have the Recalled Rice?
If you discover a bag of Lundberg White Jasmine Rice that matches the recalled UPC, lot number and date information, do not eat it.
The simplest approach is to separate the product from other food in your pantry and follow the retailer or recall instructions for disposal or return.
Consumers who purchased the rice from a store should also consider contacting that retailer to ask about its refund or return policy. Wegmans previously indicated that customers could return affected products purchased from its stores for a refund.
If you are unsure whether your package is included, compare all of the information on the bag rather than relying on the appearance of the rice alone.
In particular, check the:
- Brand name
- Product name
- Package size
- UPC
- Lot number
- Best-before date
A package that does not match the recalled information may not be part of this particular recall.
The Product Was Reportedly Removed From Store Shelves
There is some reassurance for shoppers who recently purchased rice.
Lundberg Family Farms said the affected product had already been removed from store shelves several months ago. The company also said the issue was isolated to a single production run and that no illnesses had been reported from consumption of the affected product.
However, food recalls can remain relevant after products leave stores because consumers often keep shelf-stable foods for weeks or months.
Rice is particularly likely to remain in household cupboards for extended periods, which is why checking your pantry can still be worthwhile.
Why Consumers Should Check Their Pantry
Food recalls can be easy to miss because they may initially receive limited attention, while recalled products can remain in homes long after retailers remove them from shelves.
Rice is also a staple food for millions of American households. A two-pound bag can easily sit unopened in a pantry until someone decides to prepare it.
For that reason, consumers should periodically check FDA recall announcements and pay attention to product notices from grocery stores where they shop.
This is especially important when a recall involves a product with a long best-before date. In this case, the affected packages have best-before dates in February 2027, meaning they could remain in household cupboards well beyond the date of the original recall announcement.
Is All Lundberg Rice Recalled?
No.
Consumers should not assume that every Lundberg Family Farms rice product is part of this recall.
The recall information specifically identifies the affected White Jasmine Rice and provides the UPC, lot numbers and best-before dates that consumers can use to determine whether their product is included.
If your package does not match the recall information, it should not automatically be treated as part of this particular recall.
When in doubt, consumers should consult the latest recall information from the FDA or contact the manufacturer or retailer for clarification.
A Reminder as Food Recalls Continue
The Lundberg rice recall comes as several other food products have faced recalls in recent weeks, highlighting why consumers should pay attention to food-safety announcements.
Recent recalls have involved products ranging from eggs to pet food, with different reasons for the actions. However, each recall has its own affected products, lot numbers and safety instructions.
Consumers should avoid assuming that one recall applies to similar products simply because they are sold in the same store or made by the same company.
Instead, the safest approach is to check the exact product information provided in the recall notice.
Bottom Line for Consumers
The expanded Lundberg Family Farms White Jasmine Rice recall affects more than 27,000 two-pound packages distributed across 13 states.
If you have jasmine rice in your pantry, take a few seconds to check the package.
Look for UPC 073416-040281 and check whether the package carries lot number 260201MA with a February 1, 2027 best-before date or lot number 260202MA with a February 2, 2027 best-before date.
If the information matches, do not consume the rice. Instead, follow the applicable recall, retailer or manufacturer instructions for returning or disposing of the product.
While Lundberg Family Farms has reported that the affected product was removed from stores months ago and that no illnesses had been reported, consumers who still have recalled packages at home should take the notice seriously.
A quick pantry check could help ensure that a recalled product does not accidentally make its way onto the dinner table.
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