Buckwheat flour recalled after association with dozens of illnesses in France

In France, JP Coteau brand buckwheat flour has been recalled due to suspected Datura contamination, following reports of illness. The alert was expanded after additional cases were identified by authorities and inspections. Media sources cite 49 illnesses, including five children, with five requiring hospitalization.

Affected products were distributed in organic stores, grocery shops, local markets, and directly from the producer, primarily in western France since October 7, 2023. All batches of JP Cloteau buckwheat flour, in various sizes, with expiration dates from October 2024 to March 2025, are affected.

Consumers are urged not to consume these products and return them to the point of sale for disposal. Datura, a plant common in fields, contains tropane alkaloids, causing symptoms like dry mouth, dilated pupils, confusion, hallucinations, increased heart rate, and balance issues, occurring within minutes to hours after ingestion and lasting up to 48 hours. Removing these seeds from certain cereals is challenging, including sorghum, millet, maize, and buckwheat.