UNCLE Ben’s

rice could be rebranded after a claim that its name is linked to slavery. Researcher Teniola Dowie says the familiar box showing a whitehaired black man was called Uncle Ben’s Plantation Rice in 1937.

She wrote in online journal Medium: ‘Elderly black people were referred to as “Aunt” and “Uncle”. A common title for a slave or servant.’

Manufacturers Mars now says it may ‘evolve’ the brand ‘to take a stand in helping to put an end to racial bias’.