Farmer’s Rice Fires Back at Sushi Rice Class Action Lawsuit Charges

The rice co-op named in a class action lawsuit over tainted sushi rice sold to California restaurants and stores has responded to the allegations.

The sushi rice class action lawsuit has alleged that Sacramento-based Farmer’s Rice Cooperative has adulterated the quality of their sushi rice. The sushi rice class action lawsuit was filed in July by the owner of Los Angeles sushi restaurant Jinju Sushi Inc., alleging that the Farmer’s Rice Cooperative packaged “flush rice” as top-quality sushi rice.

Flush rice is a term used in rice farming for low-quality rice. Rice can be broken down into several categories or grades based on the quality of the rice and how it is stored prior to sale. Flush rice is the lowest category of rice, stored in such a way that insects and rodents can potentially get into it. As such, flush rice may contain insect parts and rat droppings, as well as black mold.

In general, flush rice is sold to wholesalers or pet food producers. Flush rice may also be called “broken rice” or “recycled” rice to reflect its low quality. Selling flush rice for human consumption could violate health laws, and may constitute fraud if the product is promoted as premium quality rice.

The California sushi rice class action lawsuit alleges that Farmer’s Rice Cooperative did just this — packaged flush rice as premium-quality sushi rice, selling it under brand names like Calrose, New Crop Rice, and Imperial Rose. These brands are widely used in California sushi restaurants, including Jinju Sushi’s restaurants.

However, a spokesman for the Farmer’s Rice Cooperative has spoken out against the accusations with a public statement.

According to Brandon Harder, the director of government relations and communications for the Farmer’s Rice Cooperative, “these claims are absurd. We have been in business since 1944 and sell rice to the most quality-conscious customers in the world. Our rice is as safe as it gets.”

The sushi rice class action lawsuit has also triggered government scrutiny over the quality of the rice sold by the Farmer’s Rice Cooperative. However, the California Department of Public health has not said much about the investigation, beyond confirming that they are investigating the matter.

Farmers Rice Collective is a grower-owned network of more than 700 rice growers. The cooperative mills and distributes rice both domestically and internationally. The company even exports rice to Japan, the birthplace of modern sushi.

The Sushi Rice Class Action Lawsuit is Jinju Sushi Inc. v. Farmers Rice Cooperative Inc., Case No. BC553043, in the Superior Court of the State of California for the County of Los Angeles.

Join a Free Sushi Rice Class Action Lawsuit Investigation

If you own a California restaurant or business that sold sushi within the past four years, you may be eligible to join a free class action lawsuit investigation.