Canadians are advised not to use or eat any Robin Hood All Purpose Flour, Original sold in 10 kilogram bags with a code containing BB/MA 2018 AL 17 and 6 291 548 as these products may be contaminated with E. coli.
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has issued a food recall warning advising Canadians of the recalled product that has been distributed in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba.
The Public Health Agency of Canada is collaborating with federal and provincial public health partners to investigate an outbreak of Escherichia coli, called E.coli O121 that has been linked to Robin Hood All Purpose Flour, Original. The investigation is ongoing and it is possible that additional products linked to the outbreak investigation may be identified.
For additional recall details, please consult CFIA's recall notice. Restaurants and retailers are advised not to sell or serve the recalled product, or any items that may have been prepared or produced using the recalled product.
This outbreak is a reminder that it is not safe to taste or eat raw dough or batter, regardless of the type of flour used as raw flour can be contaminated with harmful bacteria such as E.coli.
Check to see if you have recalled products in your home. Recalled products should be thrown out or returned to the store where they were purchased.
Food contaminated with E. coli O121 may not look or smell spoiled but can still make you sick. While most people made ill by E. coli experience a few days of upset stomach and then recover fully, infections can sometimes be life threatening.
If you think you became sick from consuming a recalled product, call your doctor.
Symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, mild to severe abdominal cramps and watery to bloody diarrhea. In severe cases of illness, some people may have seizures or strokes, need blood transfusions and kidney dialysis or live with permanent kidney damage. In severe cases of illness, people may die.
E. coli are bacteria that live naturally in the intestines of cattle, poultry, other animals, and humans. Most E. coli are harmless to humans. However, there are many different strains of E.coli, and some varieties can cause serious illness.