Flour Recall As Consumption Warning Issued

Batches of all-purpose flour are being recalled after being found to contain undeclared major allergens, the manufacturer has said.

Shawnee Milling Company has announced a recall of 5 lb. Food Club brand All Purpose Flour because it may contain undeclared milk and egg, both of which can cause serious allergic reactions in some people.

Affected products were previously distributed in retail stores through Ohio and New York and have a best if used by date of March 7, 2025. The dates of when the product was sent to stores are not listed in the warning, which was shared by by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

The product comes in white and blue packaging with an image of some cookies on the front. The product is described on the front as "all purpose flour bleached and enriched."

The FDA has not received any reports of illnesses in relation to the withdrawn product to date. The recall was initiated after Shawnee Milling Company, which is based in Oklahoma, discovered an "equipment breakdown during production could have allowed allergen cross-contact," according to the release.

Newsweek has contacted Shawnee Milling Company for comment via the contact form on its website outside of normal working hours.

Any consumers who have purchased the product are urged to return it to the place of purchase for a full refund, or can alternatively dispose of the product.

Milk and eggs are two of nine major allergens designated by the FDA. The government agency warns that consumption by those with the allergy "run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction."

As a result, presence of milk and eggs must be declared on all food packaging except in limited circumstances, as food allergies can often lead to uncomfortable symptoms and can also result in serious illness.

The other seven major food allergens designated by the FDA are soybeans, fish, crustacean shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat and sesame. According to the FDA, food-allergy reactions can lead to hives, rashes, swelling, vomiting and/or diarrhea, abdominal cramping, and coughing or wheezing.

More serious allergic reactions, known as anaphylaxis, can include swelling of the throat, difficulty breathing and loss of consciousness. The FDA warns that "symptoms of anaphylaxis may start out as relatively mild but, if not treated promptly, symptoms can become life-threatening in a short amount of time.

It is important to understand that a mild allergic reaction does not always mean the allergy is mild. Any allergic reaction has potential to lead to anaphylaxis."

Anyone who believes they or another person are having a serious allergic reaction should contact a healthcare provider immediately.