Published by The FSIS has announced that the recalled batches of Pillsbury flour, which typically consist of 8 bags weighing 5 pounds each in every case, were predominantly distributed to Publix and Winn-Dixie stores. These recalled cases are marked with best if used by dates of April 19, 2020, or April 20, 2020.
Free Confidential Lawsuit Evaluation: If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with a confirmable case of salmonella infection, you should contact our law firm immediately. You may be entitled to compensation by filing a food poisoning lawsuit and our lawyers can help.
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What’s the problem?
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) posted a notice about the Pillsbury Flour Recall on Monday; however, the agency listed the action as a Class II Recall, which means that it is monitoring the situation but has not issued a formal alert.
This is at least the second major recall issued for flour products this year. In January, Gold Medal recalled 5-pound bags of its unbleached flour with a sell-by date of April 20, 2020.
Salmonella Symptoms
Most people with a salmonella infection, or salmonellosis, develop varying degrees of the following signs and symptoms 12 to 72 hours after being exposed to the bacteria:
- Diarrhea
- Fever
- Abdominal cramps
- Nausea
- Vomiting
Salmonellosis typically lasts 4 to 7 days, and most people recover without treatment.
In some people, the diarrhea may be so severe that the patient needs to be hospitalized.
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How Does Salmonella Get Into Flour?
Salmonella is an extremely resilient bacteria that will adapt to tolerate whatever stress it’s exposed to. If that stress is dry conditions, as is the case with flour manufacturing, the strain will quickly learn to thrive in it. Dry heat actually makes salmonella more persistent in a food product or ingredient.
Thriving in dry heat is also how salmonella ends up in cooked and packaged dry goods like cereals and crackers, as evidenced by the Ritz Cracker and Honey Smacks cereal salmonella recalls of 2018. If salmonella is exposed to dry environments, the bacteria is better able to resist heat treatment.
Salmonella is also present in animal intestines, and contamination in food often comes from contact with feces. Feces can end up in processed dry-food products through contamination at the processing plant, or in the case of wheat flour, it can be due to the presence of feces in the fields where the grain was grown.
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FAQs
What steps are being taken to address the contamination issue in Pillsbury flour?
The company is likely working with health authorities to investigate the source of contamination and implementing measures to prevent future incidents.
Are there other products affected by the same contamination issue?
The recall notice will specify if other products are affected. Check for updates to ensure you are aware of all recalled items.
What should I do if I have purchased recalled Pillsbury flour?
Do not use the product. Return it to the place of purchase for a refund or properly dispose of it to prevent any health risks.
What are the symptoms of foodborne illness from contaminated flour?
Symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, fever, and in severe cases, dehydration and hospitalization.
See all related food poisoning lawsuits our attorneys covered so far.
Do I Have a Pillsbury Flour Recall Lawsuit?
The Food Poisoning Litigation Group at Schmidt & Clark, LLP law firm is an experienced team of trial lawyers that focus on the representation of plaintiffs in Pillsbury Flour Recall lawsuits. We are handling individual litigation nationwide and currently accepting new salmonella cases in all 50 states.
Free Case Evaluation: Again, if you got sick after eating a product that contained Pillsbury flour, you should contact our law firm immediately. You may be entitled to a settlement by filing a suit and we can help.