Flour Recall 2019: E. Coli Contamination Forces Two More Recalls You Should Know About

Following an expanded recall for Unbleached All-Purpose Flour from King Arthur Flour, Inc., because it may be contaminated with E. coli, two more recalls for flour have been issued.

Hodgson Mill has recalled specific lots of Unbleached All-Purpose White Wheat Flour sold in five-pound bags because it may also be contaminated with E. coli. The recalled flour has a UPC code of 0-71518-05009-2 and Best By Dates of 10-01-2020 and 10-02-2020. The lot codes for the affected flour are 001042 and 005517.

Labels of the recalled flour can be viewed here.

The recalled flour was produced by ADM Milling and sold and distributed to retailers nationwide as well as on the Hodgson Mill website. Hodgson Mill discovered the issue during sampling of raw uncooked flour. The company has not received any reports of illness related to the recall.

Consumers that have purchased the affected flour should stop using the product immediately. They can return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. Questions about the recall can be directed to Hodgson Mill customer service at 1-888-417-9343, Ext 1, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Another recall was issued for flour because of E. coli contaminated by UNFI. The recall affects five-pound bags of Wild Harvest Organic All-Purpose Flour, Unbleached with a code of AA, and a Best If Used By Date of 010820 CC 15:58. The UPC code on the flour is 711535509158.

Labels of the recalled flour can be viewed here.

Consumers are urged to check their pantries for the recalled flour and dispose of the product. Questions about the recall can be directed to UNFI at 1-855-423-2630, seven days a week, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. CST.

UNFI discovered the E. coli contamination during routine sampling by the Food & Drug Administration (FDA). The company has not received any reports of illness from the recalled flour. UNFI said it issued the recall “out of an abundance of caution.”

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has issued a warning to consumers not to eat raw flour or uncooked raw dough. Consumers that are concerned about illness from the flour recalls should contact their healthcare provider.

E .coli illness symptoms include bloody diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, and abdominal cramps. Most individuals recover within a week. Children, elderly adults, pregnant women, and those with weakened immune systems, in some instances, can develop severe illnesses, such as kidney failure.

E. coli is killed during the process of baking, frying, sautéing, or boiling. Consumers should wash their hands, work surfaces, and utensils thoroughly after coming in contact with raw dough or flour. Raw dough or batter should never be eaten.