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

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.

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