Recalls announced on two flour brands for possible E. coli contamination

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has announced two voluntary recalls of flour due to possible E. coli contamination.

UNFI voluntarily recalled five-pound bags of its Wild Harvest Organic All-Purpose Flour, unbleached. During routine FDA sampling of the five-pound bag product, results were found to be positive for E. coli.

To date, UNFI has not received any direct consumer reports of confirmed illnesses related to this product. This recall is being issued out of an abundance of care.

This recall only affects the following code date of Wild Harvest® Organic All-Purpose Flour, Unbleached five-pound bags currently in stores or consumers’ pantries. No other types of Wild Harvest® Flour are affected by this recall.

Wild Harvest® Organic All-Purpose Flour, Unbleached Package UPC: 711535509158 Best if Used by Date: 010820 CC 15:58

Consumers are asked to check their pantries and dispose of the product affected by this recall. Consumers with questions may contact UNFI at 855-423-2630 (customer support is available seven days-a-week between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m., CST).

Hodgson Mill of Effingham, IL, announced a voluntary national recall of specific lots of its Unbleached All-Purpose White Wheat Flour (five pound)

They are taking this voluntary precautionary step because of the potential presence of pathogenic E. coli which was discovered through sampling raw uncooked flour. Hodgson Mill has not received any confirmed reports of illnesses related to this product.

The only product affected by this voluntary recall is: Unbleached All-Purpose White Wheat Flour (five pound) UPC 0-71518-05009-2. Best by Date 10-01-2020 and 10-02-2020 with lot codes listed Lot# 001042 & 005517.

Use By and Lot Code information can be found on the bottom back panel of the five-pound Bag. Used by Date and Lot Code, along with their location on the bag, must all match in order to represent flour affected by this recall.

Consumers who have purchased five-pound packages of Unbleached All-Purpose White Wheat Flour with specific lot codes are urged to stop using the product immediately and return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company customer service Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 1-888-417-9343 x 1.

Any consumers concerned about an illness should contact a physician.

E. coli can cause serious and sometimes life-threatening infections in infants, older people, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems. The most common symptoms of E. coli are diarrhea, abdominal cramps, nausea and vomiting, which develop within three or four days of eating contaminated food. The illness usually lasts about a week, and most people recover without treatment.

Guidance from the FDA and the Centers for Disease Control continues to warn that consumers should refrain from consuming any raw products made with flour and that all surfaces, hands and utensils should be properly cleaned after contact with flour or dough.

E. coli is killed by heat through baking, frying, sautéing or boiling products made with flour.

For more information, visit the CDC website.