Pillsbury Flour Recall 2019: Bread Flour Recalled Over E. Coli Outbreak

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is warning consumers not to use select bags of Pillsbury Best 5-pound Bread Flour sold by Hometown Food Co. and recalled on June 14.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) ordered the recall due to the potential presence of E. coli bacteria that can cause diarrhea. E. coli can be transmitted through contaminated water or food.

The Pillsbury flour batch was produced by ADM Milling Company. It’s the third flour brand manufactured by ADM, all of which are being linked to an ongoing E. coli outbreak. On June 13, King Arthur Flour announced a nationwide recall of select bags of its 5-pound Unbleached All-Purpose Flour. In late May, Aldi recalled its Baker's Corner All-Purpose Flour after it was traced to the E. coli outbreak.

The 4,620 cases of Pillsbury flour were distributed to a limited number of retailers and distributors in 10 states: Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, Maine, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Virginia.

The affected bags of flour carry UPC code 051500200315. They have a use-by date of June 8, 2020 or June 9, 2020, said the recall notice.

Bags of the recalled Pillsbury flour can be returned to retailers and Hometown Food, which will offer replacement coupons. Consumers can call 1-866-219-9333 from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. CDT.

CDC said there have been 17 reported cases and three hospitalizations on E. coli related to flour since May 24. The Pillsbury recall has not been included in these numbers. No deaths have been reported from the King Arthur’s flour and Baker's Corner flour recalls.

Hometown Food said no illnesses associated with Pillsbury Best Bread Flour have been reported to date. It said the recall was issued "out of an abundance of caution" since "certain wheat used to make these two lots of Pillsbury Best 5 lb. Bread Flour has been linked to E. coli illnesses associated with other flour products produced at the ADM mill in Buffalo."

CDC said E. coli infections normally occur three to four days after consuming the bacteria. Severe stomach cramps, diarrhea (often bloody) and vomiting can manifest five to seven days after exposure. In severe cases, patients may get hemolytic uremic syndrome, which is a type of kidney failure.

CDC warns against eating raw dough. Flour or raw eggs use to make raw dough or batter might be contaminated. It said even tasting a small amount of raw dough might make a person sick.