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<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><B>As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August&nbsp;21, 2001  </B></FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=2><B> Registration No.&nbsp;333-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</B></FONT></P>

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<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=5><B>SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION<BR>  </B></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>Washington, DC 20549  </B></FONT></P>

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<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=5><B>FORM S-8<BR>  </B></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>REGISTRATION STATEMENT<BR>
Under<BR>
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933  </B></FONT></P>

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<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=5><B>The RiceX Company<BR>  </B></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>(Exact name of issuer as specified in its charter)  </B></FONT></P>

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<TD WIDTH="50%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><B>Delaware</B></FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="50%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><B>68-041220</B></FONT></TD>
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<TD WIDTH="50%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>(State or other jurisdiction of<BR>
incorporation or organization)</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="50%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>(I.R.S. Employer<BR>
Identification No.)</FONT></TD>
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<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><B>1241 Hawk's Flight Court, El Dorado Hills, CA 95762<BR>  </B></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>(Address of principal executive offices) </FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><B>1997 STOCK OPTION PLAN<BR>  </B></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>(Full title of the plan) </FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><B>Daniel L. McPeak<BR>
Chairman of the Board and<BR>
Chief Executive Officer<BR>
1241 Hawk's Flight Court<BR>
El Dorado Hills, CA 95762<BR>  </B></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>(Name and address of agent for service) </FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><B>(916)&nbsp;933-3000<BR>  </B></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>(Telephone number, including area code, of agent for service) </FONT></P>

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<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><B>Copy to:<BR>
Richard W. Lasater II, Esq.<BR>
Crosby, Heafey, Roach&nbsp;&amp; May<BR>
1901 Avenue of the Stars<BR>
Los Angeles, CA<BR>
(310)&nbsp;734-5200  </B></FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><B> CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE  </B></FONT></P>

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<TH WIDTH="35%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=1><B>Title of securities to be registered</B></FONT><BR></TH>
<TH WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TH>
<TH WIDTH="16%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=1><B>Amount to be registered</B></FONT><BR></TH>
<TH WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TH>
<TH WIDTH="16%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=1><B>Proposed maximum offering price per share(2)</B></FONT><BR></TH>
<TH WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TH>
<TH WIDTH="15%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=1><B>Proposed maximum aggregate offering price</B></FONT><BR></TH>
<TH WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TH>
<TH WIDTH="15%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=1><B>Amount of registration fee</B></FONT><BR></TH>
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<TD WIDTH="35%"><FONT SIZE=2>Common Stock, par value $.001 per share</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="16%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>10,000,000(1)</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="16%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>$0.46&nbsp;-&nbsp;$1.81</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="15%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>$6,124,000</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="15%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>$1,531(2)</FONT></TD>
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<DL compact>
<DT><FONT SIZE=2>(1)</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>This
registration statement covers shares of common stock of The RiceX Company, which may be offered or sold pursuant to the 1997 Stock Option Plan. In addition, pursuant to
Rule&nbsp;416(a) under the Securities Act of 1933, this registration statement covers an indeterminate number of shares of common stock that may be issued upon stock splits, stock dividends or
similar transactions in accordance with Rule&nbsp;416. </FONT></DD><DT><FONT SIZE=2>(2)</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>5,719,000
shares underlying options under the 1997 Stock Option Plan are calculated pursuant to Rule&nbsp;457(h) of the Securities Act of 1933 solely for the purpose of
calculating the registration fee, based upon the price at which such outstanding options may be exercised (140,000 shares at $1.81per share; 2,079,000 shares at $.79 per share; 2,700,000 shares at
$.72 per share; 100,000 shares at $.40 per share; 700,000 shares at $.39 per share). The remaining 4,281,000 unissued shares authorized under the 1997 Stock Option Plan are calculated pursuant to
paragraphs (c)&nbsp;and (h)&nbsp;of Rule&nbsp;457 solely for the purpose of calculating the registration fee based on the average of the bid and ask prices for The RiceX Company Common Stock as
reported on OTC:BB on August&nbsp;15, 2001. </FONT></DD></DL>
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<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="de2291_part_i_information_requ__de202251"> </A>
<A NAME="toc_de2291_1"> </A>
<BR></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>PART I    <BR>    <BR>    INFORMATION REQUIRED IN THE SECTION 10(a) PROSPECTUS    <BR>  </B></FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The documents containing the information specified in this Part&nbsp;I of Form&nbsp;S-8 (plan information and registrant information) will be
sent or given to employees as specified by Securities and Exchange Commission Rule&nbsp;428(b)(1). Such documents need not be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission either as part of this
registration statement or as prospectuses or prospectus supplements pursuant to Rule&nbsp;424. These documents and the documents incorporated by reference in this registration statement pursuant to
Item 3 of Part&nbsp;II of this Form&nbsp;S-8, taken together, constitute a prospectus that meets the requirements of Section&nbsp;10(a) of the Securities Act of 1933. </FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="de2291_part_ii_information_req__de202470"> </A>
<A NAME="toc_de2291_2"> </A>
<BR></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>PART II    <BR>    <BR>    INFORMATION REQUIRED IN THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT    <BR>  </B></FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="de2291_item_3._incorporation_of_documents_by_reference."> </A>
<A NAME="toc_de2291_3"> </A></FONT> <FONT SIZE=2><B>ITEM 3. INCORPORATION OF DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE.    <BR>  </B></FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The following documents, as filed by The RiceX Company (the "Company") with the Securities and Exchange Commission, are incorporated by reference in this
Registration Statement and made a part hereof: </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a)&nbsp;Annual
Report on Form&nbsp;10-KSB for the fiscal year ended December&nbsp;31, 2000, filed on April&nbsp;17, 2001; and </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b)&nbsp;Quarterly
Reports on Form&nbsp;10-QSB for quarter ended March&nbsp;31, 2001, filed on May&nbsp;15, 2001 and for quarter ended June&nbsp;30,
2001, filed on August&nbsp;10, 2001. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;All
reports and other documents subsequently filed by the Company pursuant to Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 and 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange
Act"), prior to the filing of a post-effective amendment that indicates that all securities offered hereby have been sold or
that deregisters all securities then remaining unsold, shall be deemed to be incorporated by reference herein and to be part hereof from the date of filing of such documents. Any statement contained
in any document, all or a portion of which is incorporated by reference herein, shall be deemed to be modified or superseded for purposes of this Registration Statement to the extent that a statement
contained or incorporated by reference herein modifies or supersedes such statement. Any statement so modified or superseded shall not be deemed, except as so modified or superseded, to constitute a
part of this Registration Statement. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="de2291_item_4._description_of_securities."> </A>
<A NAME="toc_de2291_4"> </A>
<BR></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>ITEM 4. DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES.    <BR>  </B></FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Not applicable. </FONT></P>


<P><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="de2291_item_5._interests_of_named_experts_and_counsel."> </A>
<A NAME="toc_de2291_5"> </A>
<BR></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>ITEM 5. INTERESTS OF NAMED EXPERTS AND COUNSEL.    <BR>  </B></FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Not applicable. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="de2291_item_6._indemnification_of_directors_and_officers."> </A>
<A NAME="toc_de2291_6"> </A>
<BR></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>ITEM 6. INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS.    <BR>  </B></FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Section&nbsp;145 of the Delaware General Corporation Law ("Section&nbsp;145") permits indemnification of directors, officers, agents and controlling
persons of a corporation under certain conditions and subject to certain limitations. Section&nbsp;145 empowers a corporation to indemnify any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be
made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative, by reason of the fact that such person is or was a director,
officer or agent of the corporation or another enterprise if serving at the request of the corporation. Depending on the character of the proceeding, a corporation may indemnify against expenses
(including attorneys' fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred in connection with such action, suit or proceeding if the person indemnified acted in good
faith and in a manner the person reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to, the best interests of the corporation, and, with respect to any criminal action or </FONT></P>

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proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe such person's conduct was unlawful. In the case of an action by or in the right of the corporation, no indemnification may be made with respect to any
claim, issue or matter as to which such person shall have been adjudged to be liable to the corporation unless and only to the extent that the court of chancery or the court in which such action or
suit was brought shall determine that despite the adjudication of liability such person is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnity for such expenses which the court shall deem proper.
Section&nbsp;145 further provides that to the extent a director or officer of a corporation has been successful in the defense of any action, suit or
proceeding referred to above or in defense of any claim, issue or matter therein, such person shall be indemnified against expenses (including attorneys' fees) actually or reasonably incurred by such
person in connection therewith. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As
permitted by the Delaware General Corporation Law, the Company has included a provision in its Restated Certificate of Incorporation that, subject to certain limitations,
eliminates the ability of the Company and its stockholders to recover monetary damages from a director of the Company for breach of fiduciary duty as a director. </FONT></P>


<P><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="de2291_item_7._exemption_from_registration_claimed."> </A>
<A NAME="toc_de2291_7"> </A>
<BR></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>ITEM 7. EXEMPTION FROM REGISTRATION CLAIMED.    <BR>  </B></FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Not applicable. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="de2291_item_8._exhibits."> </A>
<A NAME="toc_de2291_8"> </A>
<BR></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>ITEM 8. EXHIBITS.    <BR>  </B></FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The following is a list of exhibits filed as part of this Registration Statement. </FONT></P>

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<TH WIDTH="10%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=1><B>Exhibit<BR>
Number</B></FONT><HR NOSHADE></TH>
<TH WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TH>
<TH WIDTH="88%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=1><B>Exhibit</B></FONT><HR NOSHADE></TH>
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<TD WIDTH="10%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=2>4.1</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="88%"><FONT SIZE=2>Registrant's Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws (incorporated by reference)</FONT></TD>
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4.2</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="88%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
1997 Stock Option Plan (incorporated by reference)</FONT></TD>
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5.1</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="88%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Opinion of Crosby, Heafey, Roach &amp; May</FONT></TD>
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23.1</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="88%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Consent of Moss Adams LLP</FONT></TD>
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<TD WIDTH="10%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
23.2</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="88%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Consent of Crosby, Heafey, Roach &amp; May (included as part of Exhibit 5.1)</FONT></TD>
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<P><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="de2291_item_9._undertakings."> </A>
<A NAME="toc_de2291_9"> </A>
<BR></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>ITEM 9. UNDERTAKINGS.    <BR>  </B></FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a)&nbsp;The
undersigned registrant hereby undertakes: </FONT></P>

<UL>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1)&nbsp;To
file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a post-effective amendment to this Registration Statement: </FONT></P>

<UL>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i)&nbsp;To
include any prospectus required by Section&nbsp;10(a)(3) of the Securities Act of 1933; </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ii)&nbsp;To
reflect in the prospectus any facts or events which, individually or together, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth in the Registration
Statement; and </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iii)&nbsp;To
include any material information on the plan of distribution not previously disclosed in the Registration Statement or any material change to such information
in the Registration Statement; </FONT></P>

</UL>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Provided,
however, that paragraphs (a)(1)(i)&nbsp;and (a)(1)(ii)&nbsp;of this section do not apply if the information required to be included in a post-effective
amendment by those paragraphs is contained in periodic reports filed by the Company pursuant to Section&nbsp;13 or Section&nbsp;15(d) of the Exchange Act that are incorporated by reference in this
registration statement. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(2)&nbsp;That,
for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new
registration statement relating to the </FONT></P>

</UL>
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<P><FONT SIZE=2>
securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof. </FONT></P>


<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(3)&nbsp;To
remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment any of the securities being registered that remain unsold at the termination of the
offering. </FONT></P>

</UL>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b)&nbsp;The
undersigned registrant hereby undertakes that, for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each filing of the Company's
annual report pursuant to Section&nbsp;13(a)
or Section&nbsp;15(d) of the Exchange Act that is incorporated by reference in this registration statement shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered
therein and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof. </FONT></P>


<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c)&nbsp;Insofar
as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the
registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public
policy as expressed in the Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the registrant of expenses incurred
or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in
connection with the securities being registered, the registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate
jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue. </FONT></P>

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<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="jc2291_signatures_and_power_of_attorney"> </A>
<A NAME="toc_jc2291_1"> </A>
<BR></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>SIGNATURES AND POWER OF ATTORNEY    <BR>  </B></FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the Registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the
requirements for filing on Form&nbsp;S-8 and has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in El Dorado Hills,
California, on the 21<SUP>st</SUP> day of August, 2001. </FONT></P>

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<TD COLSPAN=2><FONT SIZE=2><B>THE RICEX COMPANY</B></FONT></TD>
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<TD WIDTH="47%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Date: August&nbsp;21, 2001</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="4%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
By:</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="46%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
/s/&nbsp;</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>DANIEL L. MCPEAK</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><HR NOSHADE><FONT SIZE=2> Daniel L. McPeak<BR></FONT> <FONT SIZE=2><I>Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer</I></FONT></TD>
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<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;KNOW
ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints Daniel L. McPeak, his true and lawful attorney-in-fact
and agent, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him and in his name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments to this Registration Statement, and
to file the same, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorney-in-fact and agent full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and
thing requisite and necessary to be done in and about the premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as he might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said
attorney-in-fact and agent, or his substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof. </FONT></P>


<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Pursuant
to the requirements of the Securities Act 1933, this Registration Statement has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities and on the date indicated. </FONT></P>

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<TD WIDTH="45%"><FONT SIZE=2>Date: August&nbsp;21, 2001</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="5%"><FONT SIZE=2>By:</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="45%"><FONT SIZE=2>/s/ DANIEL L. MCPEAK</FONT><HR NOSHADE><FONT SIZE=2> Daniel L. McPeak<BR>
Chairman of the Board and<BR>
Chief Executive Officer</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="45%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Date: August&nbsp;21, 2001</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="5%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
By:</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="45%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
/s/ TODD C. CROW</FONT><HR NOSHADE><FONT SIZE=2> Todd C. Crow<BR>
Vice President, Finance and<BR>
Chief Financial Officer<BR>
Director</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="45%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Date: August&nbsp;21, 2001</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="5%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
By:</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="45%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
/s/ KIRIT S. KAMDAR</FONT><HR NOSHADE><FONT SIZE=2> Kirit S. Kamdar<BR>
Director</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="45%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Date: August&nbsp;21, 2001</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="5%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
By:</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="45%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
/s/ STEVEN W. SAUNDERS</FONT><HR NOSHADE><FONT SIZE=2> Steven W. Saunders<BR>
Director</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="45%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Date: August&nbsp;21, 2001</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="5%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
By:</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="45%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
/s/ KENNETH L. MILLER</FONT><HR NOSHADE><FONT SIZE=2> Kenneth L. Miller<BR>
Director</FONT></TD>
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<BR></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>INDEX TO EXHIBITS    <BR>  </B></FONT></P>

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<TH WIDTH="10%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=1><B>Exhibit<BR>
Number</B></FONT><HR NOSHADE></TH>
<TH WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TH>
<TH WIDTH="88%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=1><B>Exhibit</B></FONT><HR NOSHADE></TH>
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<TD WIDTH="10%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=2>4.1</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="88%"><FONT SIZE=2>Registrant's Certificate of Incorporation and bylaws (incorporated by reference)</FONT></TD>
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<TD WIDTH="10%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
4.2</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="88%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
1997 Stock Option Plan (incorporated by reference)</FONT></TD>
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5.1</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="88%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Opinion of Crosby, Heafey, Roach &amp; May</FONT></TD>
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23.1</FONT></TD>
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<TD WIDTH="88%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Consent of Moss Adams LLP</FONT></TD>
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23.2</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="88%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Consent of Crosby, Heafey, Roach &amp; May (included as part of Exhibit 5.1)</FONT></TD>
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<P><br><A NAME="01PAL2291_1">QuickLinks</A><br></P><!-- TOC_BEGIN -->
<FONT SIZE=2><A HREF="#toc_de2291_1">PART I INFORMATION REQUIRED IN THE SECTION 10(a) PROSPECTUS</A></FONT><BR>
<FONT SIZE=2><A HREF="#toc_de2291_2">PART II INFORMATION REQUIRED IN THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT</A></FONT><BR>
<UL>
<FONT SIZE=2><A HREF="#toc_de2291_3">ITEM 3. INCORPORATION OF DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE.</A></FONT><BR>
<FONT SIZE=2><A HREF="#toc_de2291_4">ITEM 4. DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES.</A></FONT><BR>
<FONT SIZE=2><A HREF="#toc_de2291_5">ITEM 5. INTERESTS OF NAMED EXPERTS AND COUNSEL.</A></FONT><BR>
<FONT SIZE=2><A HREF="#toc_de2291_6">ITEM 6. INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS.</A></FONT><BR>
<FONT SIZE=2><A HREF="#toc_de2291_7">ITEM 7. EXEMPTION FROM REGISTRATION CLAIMED.</A></FONT><BR>
<FONT SIZE=2><A HREF="#toc_de2291_8">ITEM 8. EXHIBITS.</A></FONT><BR>
<FONT SIZE=2><A HREF="#toc_de2291_9">ITEM 9. UNDERTAKINGS.</A></FONT><BR>
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<FONT SIZE=2><A HREF="#toc_jc2291_1">SIGNATURES AND POWER OF ATTORNEY</A></FONT><BR>
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<FONT SIZE=2><A HREF="#toc_ka2291_1">INDEX TO EXHIBITS</A></FONT><BR>
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[{"type": "S-8", "sequence": "1", "filename": "a2057562zs-8.htm", "description": "S-8", "secsgml_size_bytes": 27411}]
{"company-data": {"conformed-name": "RICEX CO", "cik": "0001061881", "assigned-sic": "2040", "irs-number": "680412200", "state-of-incorporation": "DE", "fiscal-year-end": "1231"}, "filing-values": {"form-type": "S-8", "act": "33", "file-number": "333-68012", "film-number": "1719949"}, "business-address": {"street1": "1241 HAWKS FLIGHT CT", "city": "EL DORADO HILLS", "state": "CA", "zip": "95762", "phone": "9169333000"}, "mail-address": {"street1": "1241 HAWKS FLIGHT CT", "city": "EL DORADO HILLS", "state": "CA", "zip": "95762"}}
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As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 21, 2001
Registration No. 333-
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, DC 20549
FORM S-8
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
Under
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
The RiceX Company
(Exact name of issuer as specified in its charter)
Delaware
68-041220
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
1241 Hawk's Flight Court, El Dorado Hills, CA 95762
(Address of principal executive offices)
1997 STOCK OPTION PLAN
(Full title of the plan)
Daniel L. McPeak
Chairman of the Board and
Chief Executive Officer
1241 Hawk's Flight Court
El Dorado Hills, CA 95762
(Name and address of agent for service)
(916) 933-3000
(Telephone number, including area code, of agent for service)
Copy to:
Richard W. Lasater II, Esq.
Crosby, Heafey, Roach & May
1901 Avenue of the Stars
Los Angeles, CA
(310) 734-5200
CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
Title of securities to be registered
Amount to be registered
Proposed maximum offering price per share(2)
Proposed maximum aggregate offering price
Amount of registration fee
Common Stock, par value $.001 per share
10,000,000(1)
$0.46 - $1.81
$6,124,000
$1,531(2)
(1)
This
registration statement covers shares of common stock of The RiceX Company, which may be offered or sold pursuant to the 1997 Stock Option Plan. In addition, pursuant to
Rule 416(a) under the Securities Act of 1933, this registration statement covers an indeterminate number of shares of common stock that may be issued upon stock splits, stock dividends or
similar transactions in accordance with Rule 416.
(2)
5,719,000
shares underlying options under the 1997 Stock Option Plan are calculated pursuant to Rule 457(h) of the Securities Act of 1933 solely for the purpose of
calculating the registration fee, based upon the price at which such outstanding options may be exercised (140,000 shares at $1.81per share; 2,079,000 shares at $.79 per share; 2,700,000 shares at
$.72 per share; 100,000 shares at $.40 per share; 700,000 shares at $.39 per share). The remaining 4,281,000 unissued shares authorized under the 1997 Stock Option Plan are calculated pursuant to
paragraphs (c) and (h) of Rule 457 solely for the purpose of calculating the registration fee based on the average of the bid and ask prices for The RiceX Company Common Stock as
reported on OTC:BB on August 15, 2001.
PART I
INFORMATION REQUIRED IN THE SECTION 10(a) PROSPECTUS
The documents containing the information specified in this Part I of Form S-8 (plan information and registrant information) will be
sent or given to employees as specified by Securities and Exchange Commission Rule 428(b)(1). Such documents need not be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission either as part of this
registration statement or as prospectuses or prospectus supplements pursuant to Rule 424. These documents and the documents incorporated by reference in this registration statement pursuant to
Item 3 of Part II of this Form S-8, taken together, constitute a prospectus that meets the requirements of Section 10(a) of the Securities Act of 1933.
PART II
INFORMATION REQUIRED IN THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT
ITEM 3. INCORPORATION OF DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE.
The following documents, as filed by The RiceX Company (the "Company") with the Securities and Exchange Commission, are incorporated by reference in this
Registration Statement and made a part hereof:
(a) Annual
Report on Form 10-KSB for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2000, filed on April 17, 2001; and
(b) Quarterly
Reports on Form 10-QSB for quarter ended March 31, 2001, filed on May 15, 2001 and for quarter ended June 30,
2001, filed on August 10, 2001.
All
reports and other documents subsequently filed by the Company pursuant to Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 and 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange
Act"), prior to the filing of a post-effective amendment that indicates that all securities offered hereby have been sold or
that deregisters all securities then remaining unsold, shall be deemed to be incorporated by reference herein and to be part hereof from the date of filing of such documents. Any statement contained
in any document, all or a portion of which is incorporated by reference herein, shall be deemed to be modified or superseded for purposes of this Registration Statement to the extent that a statement
contained or incorporated by reference herein modifies or supersedes such statement. Any statement so modified or superseded shall not be deemed, except as so modified or superseded, to constitute a
part of this Registration Statement.
ITEM 4. DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES.
Not applicable.
ITEM 5. INTERESTS OF NAMED EXPERTS AND COUNSEL.
Not applicable.
ITEM 6. INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS.
Section 145 of the Delaware General Corporation Law ("Section 145") permits indemnification of directors, officers, agents and controlling
persons of a corporation under certain conditions and subject to certain limitations. Section 145 empowers a corporation to indemnify any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be
made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative, by reason of the fact that such person is or was a director,
officer or agent of the corporation or another enterprise if serving at the request of the corporation. Depending on the character of the proceeding, a corporation may indemnify against expenses
(including attorneys' fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred in connection with such action, suit or proceeding if the person indemnified acted in good
faith and in a manner the person reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to, the best interests of the corporation, and, with respect to any criminal action or
proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe such person's conduct was unlawful. In the case of an action by or in the right of the corporation, no indemnification may be made with respect to any
claim, issue or matter as to which such person shall have been adjudged to be liable to the corporation unless and only to the extent that the court of chancery or the court in which such action or
suit was brought shall determine that despite the adjudication of liability such person is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnity for such expenses which the court shall deem proper.
Section 145 further provides that to the extent a director or officer of a corporation has been successful in the defense of any action, suit or
proceeding referred to above or in defense of any claim, issue or matter therein, such person shall be indemnified against expenses (including attorneys' fees) actually or reasonably incurred by such
person in connection therewith.
As
permitted by the Delaware General Corporation Law, the Company has included a provision in its Restated Certificate of Incorporation that, subject to certain limitations,
eliminates the ability of the Company and its stockholders to recover monetary damages from a director of the Company for breach of fiduciary duty as a director.
ITEM 7. EXEMPTION FROM REGISTRATION CLAIMED.
Not applicable.
ITEM 8. EXHIBITS.
The following is a list of exhibits filed as part of this Registration Statement.
Exhibit
Number
Exhibit
4.1
Registrant's Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws (incorporated by reference)
4.2
1997 Stock Option Plan (incorporated by reference)
5.1
Opinion of Crosby, Heafey, Roach & May
23.1
Consent of Moss Adams LLP
23.2
Consent of Crosby, Heafey, Roach & May (included as part of Exhibit 5.1)
ITEM 9. UNDERTAKINGS.
(a) The
undersigned registrant hereby undertakes:
(1) To
file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a post-effective amendment to this Registration Statement:
(i) To
include any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act of 1933;
(ii) To
reflect in the prospectus any facts or events which, individually or together, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth in the Registration
Statement; and
(iii) To
include any material information on the plan of distribution not previously disclosed in the Registration Statement or any material change to such information
in the Registration Statement;
Provided,
however, that paragraphs (a)(1)(i) and (a)(1)(ii) of this section do not apply if the information required to be included in a post-effective
amendment by those paragraphs is contained in periodic reports filed by the Company pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act that are incorporated by reference in this
registration statement.
(2) That,
for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new
registration statement relating to the
securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
(3) To
remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment any of the securities being registered that remain unsold at the termination of the
offering.
(b) The
undersigned registrant hereby undertakes that, for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each filing of the Company's
annual report pursuant to Section 13(a)
or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act that is incorporated by reference in this registration statement shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered
therein and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
(c) Insofar
as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the
registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public
policy as expressed in the Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the registrant of expenses incurred
or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in
connection with the securities being registered, the registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate
jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.
SIGNATURES AND POWER OF ATTORNEY
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the Registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the
requirements for filing on Form S-8 and has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in El Dorado Hills,
California, on the 21
st
day of August, 2001.
THE RICEX COMPANY
Date: August 21, 2001
By:
/s/
DANIEL L. MCPEAK
Daniel L. McPeak
Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer
KNOW
ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints Daniel L. McPeak, his true and lawful attorney-in-fact
and agent, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him and in his name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments to this Registration Statement, and
to file the same, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorney-in-fact and agent full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and
thing requisite and necessary to be done in and about the premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as he might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said
attorney-in-fact and agent, or his substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
Pursuant
to the requirements of the Securities Act 1933, this Registration Statement has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities and on the date indicated.
Date: August 21, 2001
By:
/s/ DANIEL L. MCPEAK
Daniel L. McPeak
Chairman of the Board and
Chief Executive Officer
Date: August 21, 2001
By:
/s/ TODD C. CROW
Todd C. Crow
Vice President, Finance and
Chief Financial Officer
Director
Date: August 21, 2001
By:
/s/ KIRIT S. KAMDAR
Kirit S. Kamdar
Director
Date: August 21, 2001
By:
/s/ STEVEN W. SAUNDERS
Steven W. Saunders
Director
Date: August 21, 2001
By:
/s/ KENNETH L. MILLER
Kenneth L. Miller
Director
INDEX TO EXHIBITS
Exhibit
Number
Exhibit
4.1
Registrant's Certificate of Incorporation and bylaws (incorporated by reference)
4.2
1997 Stock Option Plan (incorporated by reference)
5.1
Opinion of Crosby, Heafey, Roach & May
23.1
Consent of Moss Adams LLP
23.2
Consent of Crosby, Heafey, Roach & May (included as part of Exhibit 5.1)
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PART I INFORMATION REQUIRED IN THE SECTION 10(a) PROSPECTUS
PART II INFORMATION REQUIRED IN THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT
ITEM 3. INCORPORATION OF DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE.
ITEM 4. DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES.
ITEM 5. INTERESTS OF NAMED EXPERTS AND COUNSEL.
ITEM 6. INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS.
ITEM 7. EXEMPTION FROM REGISTRATION CLAIMED.
ITEM 8. EXHIBITS.
ITEM 9. UNDERTAKINGS.
SIGNATURES AND POWER OF ATTORNEY
INDEX TO EXHIBITS