Flour Recall: Too Much of a Good Thing

Updated October 14, 2008

This recall notice, which was first published on October 11th, has been updated based on new distribution information just released by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency. Specifically, the recalled flour was distributed only in Ontario – not nationally, as first reported by CFIA. And the list of retail outlets through which the recalled flour was sold also has been amended. The updated information is indicated in red, below.

Prairie Flour Mills Ltd. (Elie, Manitoba) has recalled "no-name" all-purpose flour, which was enriched with an excess of several nutrients.

The flour, which contains excessively high concentrations of folic acid, iron, niacin, riboflavin and thiamine, is sold in 2.5 kg (5.5 lb) bags bearing lot codes beginning with 125J and UPC 0 60383 01375 2. The recalled flour was distributed in Ontario only through the following grocery store chains: No Frills, Cash and Carry, Freshmart, Fortinos, Zehrs, Real Canadian Superstore, Loblaws, Independents, Valu-Mart and Your Independent Grocer.

There have been four reports of adverse reactions linked to the use of the flour. According to the CFIA Health Hazard Alert, consuming normal amounts of items (such as bread or cake) made from the over-enriched flour may produce an overdose of iron and niacin, resulting in flushing of the skin (red colour, warm feeling and/or itching), nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. 

According to the Merck Manual, "[e]xcess iron consumed all at once causes vomiting, diarrhea, and damage to the intestine and other organs. Excess iron consumed over a period of time may damage coronary arteries."

Consumers are advised not to use even small quantities of the recalled flour. It should be either discarded or returned to the store for a refund.