The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) is advising consumers that certain Pillsbury Best 5 lb. Bread Flour products are being recalled due to a potential presence of pathogenic E. coli.
The following products are affected:
- UPC code - 0 5150020031 5; Lot code - 8 342; Use-by date - JUN 08 2020 - UPC code - 0 5150020031 5; Lot code - 8 343; Use-by date - JUN 09 2020
Approximately 4,620 cases of impacted Pillsbury Best 5 lb. Bread Flour were distributed to a limited number of retailers and distributors across the following 10 states: Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, Maine, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Virginia.
The severity of E. coli infections vary among people and often include several symptoms, including severe stomach cramps, diarrhea (often bloody) and vomiting. People usually develop symptoms and get sick three to four days after ingesting the germ, and most recover within a week. In some cases, individuals may develop a serious illness called hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), which can result in kidney failure, stroke, and even death. Young children, elderly individuals, pregnant women and those who are immunocompromised are more susceptible to foodborne illness. If you feel ill or are at all concerned about an illness, please contact your physician.
People who have the affected product in their homes or businesses should not consume it. It should be discarded or returned to the retail location it was purchased from for a refund.
There have been no reports of illnesses associated with this product. Hometown Food Company has been informed by ADM Milling Co., that certain wheat used to make these two lots of Pillsbury Best 5 lb. Bread Flour has been linked to E. coli illnesses associated with other flour products produced at the ADM mill in Buffalo.
Flour is made from wheat, which is a raw product that is minimally processed. Flour is not a ready-to-eat product. It is an ingredient for baked, fried and cooked recipes, and these heating processes, along with proper handling, ensure the safety of consuming flour. All surfaces and utensils should be properly cleaned after contact with flour or uncooked dough or batter. Consumers should wash their hands after handling flour or uncooked dough or batter. Consumers should not eat uncooked dough or batter made with raw flour.