Hodgson Mill, and United Natural Foods issued voluntary recalls on November 27 for five-pound bags of their all-purpose flour products. This recall was issued after random routine sample testing by the FDA led to the discovery of E.coli in both products.
Hodgson Mill of Effingham recalled its Unbleached All-Purpose White Wheat Flour (5 lb.) UPC 0-71518-05009-2, best by date 10-01-2020 and 10-02-2020 with lot codes listed Lot# 001042 & 005517, while UNFI was concerned by its Wild Harvest Organic All-Purpose Flour, Unbleached, with a Code of AA BEST IF USED BY 010820 CC 15:58 and UPC Code 711535509158.
Maybe it’s worth mentioning that E. coli is killed by heat through baking, frying, sautéing, or boiling products made with flour. Nevertheless, raw flour is used in the cooking process, and people can get sick. Symptoms of E. coli contamination include acute, often bloody diarrheal illness and abdominal cramps. The children, the elderly, and immunosuppressed individuals are especially at risk of severe complications, including kidney failure.
FDA advises consumers to wash their hands, work surfaces, and utensils thoroughly after contact with raw dough products or flour, and never to eat raw dough or batter.
So, dear US visitors, please check your pantries and dispose of the products affected by this recalls. Anyone who bought the affected product should return it for a full refund. Better safe than sorry.
