King Arthur Flour is recalling 14,218 cases of unbleached all purpose flour solids 5 pound bags because it may be contaminated with E. coli bacteria. The maker of the flour is ADM Milling Company.
ADM Milling produced the Aldi Baker’s Corner all purpose flour that is linked to an E. coli O26 outbreak that has sickened at least 17 people in 8 states. Some of the wheat used to make these lots of King Arthur flour have been linked to the ongoing outbreak. But the FDA recall notice states that “no illnesses have been reported to date in connection with King Arthur flour.”
The recalled flour is sold in 5 pound lots, with six specific lot codes and three Best Used by Dates. They are:
- BEST USED BY 12/07/19 LOT: L18A07C
- BEST USED BY 12/08/19 LOTS: L18A08A, L18A08B
- BEST USED BY 12/14/19 LOTS: L18A14A, L18A14B, L18A14C
The lot codes are printed on the bottom of the side panel of the flour package, below the nutrition facts panel. Please check the flour you have purchased to see if you have any of these lots. If you do, throw them away in a secure garbage can with a lid, or take them back to the store where you bought them for a full refund.
In past E. coli outbreaks that are linked to flour, the government recommends that if you have decanted the flour into another container and aren’t sure whether or not you purchased any recalled flour, it’s best to discard the flour and wash the container thoroughly with soap and water. Some grocery stores do have programs to notify customers if they have purchased recalled products; you can contact your retailer if you have questions.
This recall is yet another reminder that no one should eat raw dough or batter. Wash your hands, work surfaces, and utensils thoroughly with soap and water after working with flour and try to avoid cross-contamination.
Symptoms of an E. coli infection include severe and painful abdominal cramps, diarrhea that is bloody and watery, and a mild fever. If you have purchased this product or Aldi Baker’s Corner flour and have been ill with these symptoms, see your doctor.
