Product sold in major French supermarket over four-month period.

The rice was sold across France over a period of almost four months Pic: RomarioIen / Shutterstock

By Zane Lilley

Basmati rice sold in popular French supermarket E.Leclerc has been recalled over the possible presence of insect larvae inside the product. 

The 1kg bag of rice from the Comptoir du Grain brand was sold across France between August 28 and December 13, states the official RappelConso product recall website.

The items affected were those with the product codes GTIN 3564700024164 or GTIN 3564700024164.

However only products with an additional code ‘09’ after the barcode are affected by the recall. 

Refunds and helpline available

Those who purchased the products can bring them back to the store of purchase for a refund until February 15.

There is a helpline for customers who may have been affected, which can be reached on 0800 865286 if calling from France. 

If you cannot return the product for a refund, then you should destroy it and not consume it. 

Further information can be found on the RappelConso recall page, although there is no information over how the product was contaminated by the larvae.

It follows a similar recall from the beginning of this month, when basmati rice sold in Carrefour supermarkets were recalled for the same reason.

Batches of Comptoir du Grain basmati rice were previously recalled in 2021, after traces of ochratoxin A, a toxic mould, were found in the product.

Published Date: December 20, 2023