ASHEBORO N.C. (ACME NEWS) – A manufacturer of a baby rice cereal has issued a recall after routine sampling by the FDA found elevated levels of naturally occurring inorganic arsenic.
Maple Island Inc. issued a voluntary recall of three lots of its Parent’s Choice Rice Baby Cereal which it manufactures for Walmart. The cereal was distributed to stores nationwide. Walmart says they have pulled the product from its shelves.
The specific Parent’s Choice Rice Baby Cereal 8 oz lots being recalled were sold after April 5, 2021, and include:
- Lot 21083 with UPC Code #00681131082907 with a best if used by date of JUN 24 2022.
- Lot 21084 with UPC Code #00681131082907 with a best if used by date of JUN 25 2022
- Lot 21242 with UPC Code #00681131082907 with a best if used by date of NOV 30 2022
The best if used by date and product numbers can be found in the bottom left corner on the back of the Parent’s Choice Rice Baby Cereal packaging.
Customers who may have purchased the cereal at Walmart with should discard it or return it to Walmart for a full refund. Currently there have been no reported illnesses linked to the product and no other production lots or Parent’s Choice products are affected by this recall.
Customers seeking additional information may call Maple Island Inc., Monday through Friday 8am – 4pm Central time at 1-800-369-1022 or contact the company by email at info@maple-island.com.
According to the FDA, Maple Island Inc. conducted testing on both the raw material as well as the finished product and while levels were in compliance with the FDA’s guidelines, the company decided to issue the recall out of an abundance of caution. “Trace elements such as these are widely present in the environment, including water, soil and food.” said the FDA on its website, “the FDA also noted that research has shown reducing exposure to toxic elements is important to minimizing any potential long-term effects on the developing brains of infants and children.”
###
