A recall of rice bags has been issued in seven states due to potential contamination with rodent parts.
Wehah Farms, based in California, has voluntarily recalled 4,600 cases of Lundberg Family Farms Sustainable Wild Blend Gourmet Rice after discovering possible foreign objects of rodent origin in the product. Originally recalled in May, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has now classified this recall as Class II.
According to the FDA, a Class II recall signifies a risk where the use or exposure to the affected product may lead to temporary or medically reversible adverse health effects, with a low probability of serious consequences.
The affected 1lb bags of rice bear the lot code 231004 and have a best before date of October 4, 2024. This recall only impacts products sold in Arizona, California, Florida, Maine, New Hampshire, Oregon, and Wisconsin.
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Product recalls in coordination with the FDA are classified into three tiers, with Class II being the second most severe type of recall.
A Class I recall is issued when there is a high likelihood that the use of the product could result in serious adverse health effects or death. On the other hand, a Class III recall is for products that are unlikely to cause any adverse health consequences.
The FDA imposes limits on the presence of “extraneous materials” in food, using set levels to determine necessary regulatory actions.
“Extraneous materials” can include foreign matter introduced through unsanitary production, storage, or distribution conditions, such as contamination from rodents, insects, or birds. The FDA acknowledges that some foods may contain natural defects at levels that pose minimal health risks.
Instances of foreign objects in food have been the cause of multiple recalls in recent times. In June, H-E-B recalled a potato salad due to the presence of hard plastics.
More recently, dog treats under the “Barkworthies” and “Best Bully Sticks” brands were recalled due to potential metal object contamination.