Beech-Nut Recalls One Lot of Beech-Nut Rice Infant Cereal (8 oz)

Colorado WIC

Beech-Nut Nutrition has issued a voluntary recall of one lot of Beech-Nut Stage 1, Single Grain Rice Infant Cereal (8 oz) with UPC# 052200034705. This recall is a result of a routine sampling program by the State of Alaska which found that samples from that production lot of Beech-Nut Stage 1, Single Grain Rice Cereal tested above the guidance level for naturally occurring inorganic arsenic set by the FDA in August 2020, though the rice flour used had been tested and confirmed as being below the FDA guidance level for inorganic arsenic.

The specific Beech-Nut Single Grain Rice (8 oz) item (UPC # 052200034705) being recalled has an expiration date of May 1, 2022 and product codes: 103470XXXX and 093470XXXX. The expiration date and product numbers can be found at the bottom of the Beech-Nut Single Rice Cereal canister. These specific product codes were distributed nationally both through retail and online. 

We received the following additional guidance from Beechnut about returning any affected product:

  • Participants who have purchased cereals from the affected lot should call 1-866-272-9417 or visit https://www.beechnut.com/ricecereal/ for replacement or refund information.

  • Participants can let Beechnut know if they would like a refund (in the form of a gift card) or coupons to purchase replacement products and Beechnut will mail it to them.

  • Proof of Purchase is only required if four or more cereals were purchased from the affected lot. Acceptable proofs of purchase: photos of the expiration date and product code (located on the bottom of the container) and/or photos of receipts themselves).

FDA has recognized that trace elements such as these are widely present in the environment, including water, soil, and food; and has also stated that exposure to elevated levels of naturally occurring inorganic arsenic can pose a health hazard to young children.

In addition to issuing the voluntary recall, Beech-Nut has also decided to exit the market for Beech-Nut branded Single Grain Rice Cereal (8oz). Beech-Nut is concerned about the ability to consistently obtain rice flour well-below the FDA guidance level and Beech-Nut specifications for naturally occurring inorganic arsenic. Stores are expected to remove ALL Beech-Nut Rice Infant Cereal (8 oz) immediately.

Beech-Nut Multigrain Infant Cereal (8 oz), Beech-Nut Oatmeal Infant Cereal (8 oz) and Beech-Nut Organic Oatmeal Infant Cereal are not affected and will continue to remain in distribution.

WIC participants who may have purchased Beech-Nut Infant Rice Cereal (8 oz) with product codes: 103470XXXX and 093470XXXX with the expiration of May 1, 2022 should discard the product. For information on obtaining an exchange or a refund, they can also visit www.beechnut.com/ricecereal or call 1-866-272-9417, Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

For more information about the recall, please visit the FDA announcement.

For information on how to reduce heavy metal in your baby’s diet, click here.