RIDOH: Don’t Use ALDI Baker’s Corner All Purpose Flour (5 Lbs)

WARWICK, R.I.  — The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) warns people against consuming flour from five-pound bags of Baker’s Corner All Purpose Flour packed for the ALDI grocery chain with lot code L18A02B and a “best if used by” date of Dec. 02, 2019.

There is one ALDI in Warwick at 444 Quaker Lane and another nearby in Cranston at 1015 Cranston St.

This advisory is being issued due to a potential presence of E. coli, discovered during testing of a five-pound bag of Baker’s Corner All Purpose Flour at RIDOH’s State Health Laboratories. This advisory only affects this one lot code of Baker’s Corner All Purpose Flour five-pound bags. All other types of Baker’s Corner flour are unaffected. Consumers are asked to check their pantries and dispose of the product.

Product information:

• 5 lb. Baker’s Corner All Purpose Flour
• Package Lot Number – L18A02B
• Best If Used By Date – 12/02/19

The symptoms of E. coli infections vary among people but often include severe stomach cramps, diarrhea (often bloody), and vomiting. People usually get sick three to four days after swallowing the germ. Most people recover within a week. However, some people may develop a serious type of illness called hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), which can result in kidney failure, stroke, and even death. Young children, elderly people, individuals who are immunocompromised, and pregnant women are particularly susceptible to foodborne illness. Any consumers concerned about an illness should contact a physician.

RIDOH took the opportunity to remind people to not consume any raw products made with flour. Flour is an ingredient that comes from milling wheat, something grown outdoors that carries with it risks of bacteria which are rendered harmless by baking, frying, or boiling. Consumers are reminded to wash their hands, work surfaces, and utensils thoroughly after contact with raw dough products or flour, and to never eat raw dough or batter.  More information about the risks of consuming raw dough is online.