‘Food Poisoning Risk’: Recall of Lots of Organic Flour Contaminated with Toxic Plant

“Toxic” products that “affect the nervous system.” » Authorities announced this Wednesday a recall of batches of organic flour sold mainly in western France following cases of poisoning from datura, a plant that affects the nervous system.

The procedure applies to “all batches of organic buckwheat flour of the JP Cloteau brand, the expiration date of which (preferably consumed earlier) falls on the period from October 2024 to March 2025 inclusive,” the ministries of health and agriculture specified in a joint press release.

From the same source, these products “could be purchased in stores specializing in organic farming products, grocery stores, local markets or directly from the manufacturer, mainly in the west of France and especially in the Brittany regions,” in bags, but also in bulk.

If used, “consult a doctor or call 15.”

The cases of poisoning were reported by the Regional Health Agency of Brittany, according to the ministry, which emphasizes that “Datura is a very common herbaceous plant that is found in fields and which naturally contains a very strong content of tropane alkaloids.”

“These alkaloids are toxic and affect the nervous system. This plant can infect some crops and cause acute poisoning. Symptoms vary and may include: dry mouth, dilated pupils, visual disturbances, tachycardia, agitation, confusion, spatial-temporal disorientation, hallucinations, incoherent speech, balance problems,” the press release clarifies.

Authorities are urging people with contaminated products not to consume them and, if possible, to return them to points of sale for destruction. “People who have consumed or used it in the preparation of pancakes, bread, pancakes, etc. and those who exhibit these symptoms within a few hours of consuming the product should contact their doctor or call 15 and inform them of this warning,” according to the same source.