Another Flour Recall Due to Potential Salmonella Contamination

Over 12,000 cases of unbleached all-purpose flour were voluntarily recalled in March due to potential microbial contamination. The recall notice, posted by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA), stated that two specific lot codes that can be found on 5 pound bags of the flour are part of the retail-level recall initiated because of Salmonella contamination concerns.

In January of this year, another popular flour producer announced a similar recall of 5 pound bags of unbleached flour. That recall was also prompted due to fears of Salmonella contamination.

The FDA reports that Salmonella, the name of a group of bacteria, is one of the most common causes of food poisoning in the United States. Usually, symptoms last four to seven days, and most people get better without treatment. But, Salmonella can cause more serious illness in older adults, infants and people with chronic diseases. Preventing foods contaminated with Salmonella from reaching consumers is essential as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that in the U.S. alone, infections from the bacteria cause 450 deaths, 23,000 hospitalizations and 1.2 million illnesses annually.

The laboratory specialists at MPL Laboratories provide microbial and sterility testing for a broad spectrum of contaminants, including Salmonella, E. coli, Listeria and other types of bacteria. They offer testing of raw materials, finished products and production surfaces. This type of proactive testing not only protects the public from exposure risks, it is also vital to prevent costly product recalls, damaging public relations and the expensive legal fees that are frequently associated with these types of events. Testing can also be instrumental in pinpointing the source of a foodborne outbreak if one has already taken place.

To learn more about microbial or sterility testing of foods and beverages, over-the-counter medicines, personal care products or cosmetics and pharmaceuticals, please contact MPL Laboratories at www.MPLLaboratories.com, call (800) 548-1874 or email  info@MPLLaboratories.com .


About MPL Laboratories
MPL Laboratories (formerly Marypaul Laboratories) was founded in 1985 as a full service microbiology laboratory. It is ISO/IEC 17025 accredited by PJLA, FDA and DEA registered, and NJDEP certified. MPL’s staff includes M.S. and B.S. degreed microbiologists and other dedicated scientists. The microbiology testing laboratory serves the pharmaceutical, cosmetic, personal care and food industries. MPL aims to provide its clients with high quality, reliable test data in a timely manner. The laboratory is part of the EMSL Analytical network of over 46 laboratories across the United States and Canada.

Contact Information

Joseph Frasca

Senior Vice President of Marketing

MPL Laboratories

(1) 856-303-2503

Contact via E-mail