The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) is advising consumers that King Arthur Flour, Inc. is recalling 14,218 cases of 5 lb. Unbleached All-Purpose Flour due to the potential presence of Escherichia coli bacteria (E. coli).
The recalled Unbleached All-Purpose Flour (5 lb.) was distributed through retailers and distributors nationwide. The products affected by this recall have the following "best used by" dates and lot codes:
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
E. coli causes a diarrheal illness often with bloody stools. Although most healthy adults can recover completely within a week, some people can develop a form of kidney failure called Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS). HUS is most likely to occur in young children and the elderly. The condition can lead to serious kidney damage and even death.
No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with King Arthur flour. Consumers who have any of these affected products should not consume them and should throw them away or return them to the place of purchase for credit or refund.
Consumer should remember that flour is not ready-to-eat, and anything made with flour must be baked before eating. Consumers are also 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.