Pillsbury Flour Recalled In Ohio Due To E. Coli Concern

A limited quantity of Pillsbury bread flour has been recalled in 10 states, including Ohio, because it is possibly contaminated with the E. coli pathogen. The Pillsbury Best five-pound bread flour was manufactured by ADM Milling Co. in Buffalo, New York, and distributed by Hometown Food Co., which together issued the recall.

About 4,620 cases of the flour are affected by the recall. They were distributed to a limited number of retailers and distributors in Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, Maine, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Virginia, the recall notice said.

To date, no one has been sickened as a result of consuming the flour, and the recall was issued out of an “abundance of caution,” the notice said.

"We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this recall may cause, and are offering replacement coupons for your product. Please call our toll-free 800 number (1-866-219-9333), which will be staffed daily from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. CDT. We remain committed to producing the high-quality products synonymous with the Pillsbury name since 1869," Hometown Food Company said in a statement.

The affected products are marked as follows:

UPC code, 0 5150020031 5; Lot Code, 8 342; best-if-used-by date, June 8, 2020, and

UPC code, 0 5150020031 5; Lot Code, 8 343; best-if-used-by date, June 9, 2020.

The severity of E. coli symptoms can vary, but often include severe stomach cramps, bloody diarrhea and vomiting. People often get sick within three or four days after ingesting the E. coli germ.

In some cases, individuals may develop a serious illness, hemolytic uremic syndrome, 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.

People who have purchased the product should discard it immediately or return it to the retailer where it was purchased for a full refund.

More information is available here.