E. coli in samples of flour produced at ADM Milling Co.’s Buffalo, NY location has triggered a recall of more King Arthur flour for potential contamination. The King Arthur recall states that the company is unaware of any illnesses related to the recalled flour. But consumers who have purchased the recalled product should not eat or handle it as E. coli can cause serious illness and death.
Symptoms of an E. coli infection, which usually develop between one and five days of exposure, include diarrhea that is sometimes bloody and abdominal cramps. If you have recently handled or consumed raw flour and are experiencing these symptoms, see a doctor right away.
The recalled products, Unbleached All-Purpose flour sold in 5-lb. and 25-lb. bags, have the UPC: 071012010509 and Best Used by dates of 12/4/19 -1/15/20. Recalled bags sold at Costco have the UPC: 071012012503 and Best Used By dates 12/04/19, 12/10/19, 12/20/19, 01/07/20, 01/15/20.
King Arthur describes the recall as an expansion of a recall issued June 13, 2019. That recall was one of four issued in connection with an E.coli O26 outbreak linked to flour produced at ADM’s Buffalo, NY plant.
The current recall was triggered after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said samples of flour from two production lots manufactured at ADM’s Buffalo mill on Dec. 9, 2018, and Dec. 21, 2018 tested positive for E. coli O26 and that the strain was the same one found at the mill earlier this year. ADM says it is contacting all of its retail, large pack and bulk customers, so recalls of other flour brands are likely to follow.
