Flour pulled from shelves after it’s found to contain acne medicine

Tests discovered the same chemical compound used in the medication Acnecide.

featured-image

A brand of flour has been recalled from shops after it was found to contain a medication usually used to treat acne. Anyone who has bought an 800g pack of White King All Purpose Flour with a best-before date of October next year is urged to return it. Tests found in the product a chemical compound called benzonyl peroxide, an additive described as ‘a possible health risk and is unsafe to eat’ by Food Standards Scotland .

It is widely available under the brand name Acnecide, and is generally used by people to help get rid of spots. The NHS describes it as an antiseptic which reduces the amount of bacteria on the surface of the skin. Common side effects of the medication include skin becoming dry, peeling or irritated with a burning sensation.



Benzonyl peroxide is sometimes used in different countries to prevent flour from getting a yellowish tinge and ensure it stays white. This practice, known as ‘bleaching’ flour, is banned in the EU and the UK. However, it is still allowed in countries including the USA and Canada.

People who have bought the White King flour have been told they can take it back to the store for a full refund. No other products from the company are thought to be affected. Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@metro.

co.uk . For more stories like this, check our news page .

MORE : Domino’s urgently warns people not to eat some of its dips MORE : UK bracing for mpox after new strain spreads in Africa MORE : You could soon see blood-carrying drones flying over London Sign Up for News Updates Get your need-to-knowlatest news, feel-good stories, analysis and more Privacy Policy.