Uncle Ben's Becomes Ben's Original: The Rebranding
The most significant piece of information for anyone searching for "Uncle Ben's" is the brand's name change. In September 2020, Mars, Incorporated, the parent company, officially announced the rebranding of Uncle Ben's to Ben's Original™. This change was a move towards creating a more inclusive brand identity, leading to the removal of the former logo and name from all packaging. While the name and image are different, many of the product lines, and their formulations, have carried over. Therefore, when investigating the GMO status, consumers should look for the current Ben's Original branding.
Is Ben's Original Rice Actually Genetically Modified?
The answer to whether Ben's Original rice is genetically modified is a bit more complex than a simple 'yes' or 'no.' For the vast majority of products, the rice itself is not a genetically modified crop. In fact, genetically engineered rice is not widely available on the U.S. market, especially for common consumer goods. The potential source of bioengineered ingredients comes from the other components, such as seasonings, oils, or flavorings, that are added to some pre-cooked or ready-to-eat rice varieties.
Ben's Original Ready Rice and Bioengineered Ingredients
Many of Ben's Original's Ready Rice™ products, which are sold in microwavable pouches, contain additional ingredients for flavor and convenience. It is in these products that bioengineered food ingredients are most commonly found. For instance, the ingredients list for the Ben's Original Ready Rice Long Grain White Rice includes canola oil and mentions, "Contains a Bioengineered Food Ingredient". Similarly, the Ready Rice Pilaf also contains other bioengineered food ingredients alongside its rice and pasta base. These ingredients are typically derived from major commodity crops that have genetically modified variants, such as soy or corn.
The Case of Ben's Original Parboiled Rice
In contrast to the ready-to-eat pouches, the basic, boxed Ben's Original™ Parboiled Long Grain White Rice often carries a clear "Non-GMO" label. This distinction is crucial. The primary rice product, which is parboiled to lock in nutrients, is not genetically modified. The difference in GMO status highlights the importance of checking each product's label, as the added convenience and flavoring in certain variants introduce the potential for bioengineered content.
Understanding the Bioengineered Food Labeling Standard
In the United States, new regulations implemented by the USDA require food manufacturers to disclose the presence of bioengineered ingredients. This can be done through a symbol, text disclosure, or other approved methods. This is why some Ben's Original products now explicitly state they contain a bioengineered ingredient. This labeling standard provides transparency for consumers but does not mean that the food is unsafe. Mars, Incorporated's official policy is that it believes genetically modified ingredients are safe, a stance supported by many regulatory agencies.
Key aspects of the labeling standard:
- Clear Disclosure: Companies must clearly indicate on the product packaging if it contains bioengineered ingredients.
- Thresholds Exist: For certain products, a threshold of 1% is allowed for unintentional contamination of a non-GMO food.
- Not a Safety Warning: The label is a disclosure of information, not an indication of health or safety risks, according to the USDA and other bodies.
- Beyond Rice: It is common for ingredients derived from other high-volume GMO crops, like corn and soy, to appear in many processed food products.
Comparison of Rice Types: Ben's Original vs. Others
To put Ben's Original into context, it is helpful to compare it with other types of rice available on the market, such as conventional and organic rice.
| Feature | Ben's Original (Parboiled) | Ben's Original (Ready Rice) | Conventional Rice | Organic Rice |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GMO Status | Generally Non-GMO | May contain bioengineered ingredients from non-rice sources | May contain non-rice GMOs in processed versions | Non-GMO |
| Cultivation | Conventional, including parboiling process | Conventional, combined with other ingredients | Conventional, potentially with synthetic pesticides | Organic standards (no synthetic pesticides or GMOs) |
| Labeling | Explicit Non-GMO labels are common on basic variants | May include Bioengineered Food Ingredient disclosure | No GMO label required on basic rice; check for processed items | Must be certified organic and non-GMO |
| Price | Mid-range | Higher due to added processing and convenience | Often lowest cost | Typically highest cost |
The Role of Mars, Incorporated
As the parent company, Mars, Inc. plays a significant role in determining product formulation and labeling. Mars publicly states that it believes genetically modified ingredients are safe and that its priority is transparency with consumers. This approach is reflected in its adherence to bioengineered food labeling requirements for products that contain such ingredients. Mars's commitment to transparency allows consumers to make an informed decision based on the information provided on the packaging.
Considerations for the Consumer
When purchasing a Ben's Original product, the most reliable way to determine its GMO status is to check the packaging. For those who want to avoid GMOs completely, opting for the plain, basic rice varieties that are labeled Non-GMO or choosing certified organic rice is the safest bet. If you prefer the convenience of the Ready Rice pouches, read the ingredient list carefully for the "bioengineered food ingredient" disclosure, remembering that this likely pertains to added ingredients and not the rice grain itself.
Conclusion
The question of whether Uncle Ben's, now Ben's Original, rice is GMO depends entirely on the specific product. While the basic, unflavored rice products are non-GMO, some pre-seasoned or ready-to-eat pouches do contain bioengineered ingredients, a fact that is clearly disclosed on the packaging due to new U.S. labeling laws. For consumers seeking to avoid genetically modified organisms, checking the label is the most direct and effective method. By choosing basic or certified organic varieties, you can ensure your purchase aligns with your preferences. The brand's parent company, Mars, Inc., supports transparency and uses labeling to empower consumer choice.
