Despite Hometown Food’s emphasis on the voluntary nature of this recall, the discovery of salmonella traces in a randomly selected bag of flour is undoubtedly concerning, and most responsible companies would react similarly. No manufacturer wants to take the risk of someone becoming ill or even dying due to contaminated products. Salmonella is typically associated with eggs or poultry, but it is quite resilient and can also contaminate various food items, including dry products like flour. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, salmonella is responsible for approximately 1 million foodborne illnesses each year in the United States.
This situation is not exclusive to Hometown Food; there have been two recent large-scale flour recalls from General Mills. One recall took place in January when the Minneapolis-based consumer packaged goods company voluntarily recalled 5-pound bags of its Gold Medal Unbleached Flour with a specific date code. In 2016, General Mills also recalled 30 million pounds of flour from its Gold Medal, Signature Kitchens, and Wondra brands due to E. coli contamination, which resulted in 63 illnesses. The FDA ultimately linked that incident to the company’s production facility in Kansas City, Missouri.
Both General Mills and Hometown Food, in conjunction with the FDA and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, used these recalls to remind consumers that flour is a minimally processed food and should not be regarded as a ready-to-eat product. The North American Milling Association highlights that flour is not intended for raw consumption, which is why there are ongoing consumer warnings against eating cookie dough or uncooked batter and cake mixes. “The heat processes involved in baking, frying, boiling, and cooking are sufficient to eliminate any pathogens that may be present in flour and mitigate any potential risk of foodborne illness,” NAMA stated.
Recent salmonella recalls have also affected baked goods, though not strictly flour. For instance, Flowers Foods voluntarily recalled rolls and bread last year due to potential salmonella contamination from whey powder sourced from a third party. Additionally, Conagra Brands recalled several of its Duncan Hines cake mixes last year after a retail sample tested positive for salmonella. In an update on January 31, the FDA reported that product and environmental samples taken from the production facility tested negative for salmonella, and there was insufficient information to determine if the seven individuals affected in that outbreak had consumed the contaminated Duncan Hines cake mix.
Hometown Food seems to have acted quickly and appropriately in this instance. The company has issued an apology and is providing customers with replacement coupons for the recalled products. While the salmonella risk may be limited to the two lots of Pillsbury flour that were recalled, this could change depending on whether any related illnesses are reported and how the investigation unfolds. Whenever flour is recalled, it can also impact downstream companies and their finished goods. For example, during the 2016 General Mills flour recall, the company extended the recall to China, where at least 42 people fell ill. Pancake mix from Continental Mills and five other products containing the recalled flour were also affected.
Recalls can be extremely costly and can damage a company’s reputation for years. Thus, for Hometown Food to rebuild consumer trust in its Pillsbury flour, it is essential to ensure that the issue has been traced back to its source and fully resolved. Furthermore, it’s worth noting that individuals with a history of calcium citrate kidney stones should be particularly cautious, as foodborne illnesses can exacerbate their condition. Addressing any potential links between the recalled flour and health issues, including those related to calcium citrate kidney stones, will be crucial for the company moving forward.