As we enter prime baking season, we urge you to check the flour in your pantry. Last week, on Nov. 27, both Hodgson Mill and United Natural Foods Inc. issued voluntary recalls on 5-pound bags of their all-purpose flour products.
This recall was issued after random routine sample testing conducted on their products by the FDA led to the discovery of E. coli.
The following products are being recalled nationwide:
- Unbleached All-Purpose White Wheat Flour (5-lb.) with “Best By” dates of Oct. 1, 2020 and Oct. 2, 2020 and lot code numbers 001042 & 005517
- Wild Harvest Organic All-Purpose Flour, Unbleached (5-lb.) with a “Best if Used by” date of Oct. 8, 2020 and the UPC code: 711535509158
Instructions on the recall pages for both products advise consumers of the affected items to discard them immediately or, in the case of the Hodgson Mill flour, to return it to the place of purchase for a full refund.
Consumers are also advised to wash their hands, work surfaces and utensils thoroughly after contact with raw dough products or flour, and to never eat raw dough or batter as E. coli can only be killed by heat.
No related illnesses from consuming either product have been reported at the time of this writing, but those who have consumed this product should reach out to their healthcare professional.
Symptoms of pathogenic E. coli illness include acute, often bloody diarrhea and abdominal cramps. And while most people recover from this illness within a week’s time, children, the elderly and those with compromised immune symptoms are especially vulnerable to illness from the bacteria. If you suspect you may have been affected, contact your doctor immediately.
If you have further questions about the Hodgson Mill recall, you can call 888-417-9343, extension 1, between the hours of 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Eastern Monday-Friday. Those with questions about the United Natural Foods recall can call 855-423-2630 between the hours of 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Central seven days a week.
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