All-purpose flour recalled due to possible E. coli 026 contamination

King Arthur Flour has recalled its Unbleached All-Purpose Flour (5 lb. & 25 lb.) because of the possible presence of E. coli 026 which was discovered through sampling. This is an expansion of a previous recall announced on June 13, 2019.

Symptoms of E. coli 026 and advice

Symptoms of E. coli O26 illness include diarrhoea and abdominal cramps. Children, the elderly and immunosuppressed individuals may develop hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a severe illness which may cause kidney failure.

Consumers are reminded to wash their hands, work surfaces, and utensils thoroughly after contact with raw dough products or flour, and to never eat raw dough or batter. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has warned consumers to not consume raw products made with flour.

E. coli O26 is killed by heat through baking, frying, sautéing, or boiling products made with flour.

Recall information

The flour being recalled was milled at an ADM Milling facility in Buffalo, New York, and was distributed by King Arthur Flour through retailers and distributors in the US, and sold through the King Arthur Flour website, catalogue and store in Norwich, Vermont.

‘Best Used By’ and Lot Code information of the affected product can be found on the US Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) website, and is located at bottom of the ingredient side panel of the 5 lb. bag. ‘Best 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.

King Arthur Flour has not received any confirmed reports of illnesses related to the recalled product. However, consumers who have any of these affected products should discard of them and may submit a claim for a refund or replacement.