With Christmas fast approaching, kitchens all over the United States are starting to go into overdrive making all those sumptuous Christmas dishes that will have us measuring our waistlines once the holidays are over.
But before you start stocking your pantries full of all the baking goods that you’ll need, make sure to double-check any stocks of flour in case they came from Hodgson Mill and United Natural Foods. Both manufacturers made a voluntary recall on their all-purpose flour products, specifically the five-pound bags, on Wednesday.
The FDA conducted a random routine sample testing of the flour products and found E. coli on both of them. The recall was voluntarily issued soon after.
E.point 243 |
coli can actually be found in the environment, our food, and even inside our intestines.point 74 | While most types of E.point 92 | coli bacteria are harmless, there are strains that can trigger urinary tract infections, diarrhea, pneumonia, and a host of other illnesses.point 212 |
Among adults, symptoms will usually last up to a week but children, the elderly, and people who have weakened immune systems are particularly vulnerable.point 130 | 1
Definitely not a fun way to spend one’s Christmas.
The two products included in the recall are the following:
Unbleached All-Purpose White Wheat Flour (5-lb.) with “Best By” dates of 10-01-2020 and 10-02-2020 and lot codes# 001042 & 005517
Wild Harvest® Organic All-Purpose Flour, Unbleached (5-lb.) with “Best if Used by” date of 10/8/20 and UPC code: 711535509158
ADVERTISEMENT
Aside from discarding them, Hodgson Mill is offering to give a refund should their products be returned to where they were purchased. Consumers are also advised to wash their hands, work surfaces and any utensils used when handling raw flour or dough products. E. coli is killed by heat so one should never eat raw dough or batter.
Fortunately, no illnesses have been reported in relation to the two products but those who have consumed them should seek the advice of a health professional to be sure.
Hudgson Mill can be called at 1-888-417-9343 between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. EST Monday-Friday, while United Natural Foods can be reached at 855-423-2630 between 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. CST, seven days a week, should you have any questions about the recall.
Replaced!