General Mills announced a voluntary flour recall due to possible E. coli contamination.
According to a news release, General Mills is collaborating with health officials to investigate an ongoing, multistate outbreak of E. coli O121 that may be potentially linked to Gold Medal flour, Wondra flour and Signature Kitchens flour.
According to the news release, to date, E. coli O121 has not been found in any General Mills flour products or in the flour manufacturing facility, and the company has not been contacted directly by any consumer reporting confirmed illnesses related to these products.
The recall affects retail products that could be currently in stores or in consumers’ pantries.
According to the news release, if you have any of the products listed below they should not be used.
The specific products in the recall include:
13.5-ounce Gold Medal Wondra
Package UPC: 000-16000-18980
Recalled Better if Used by Dates: 25FEB2017 thru 30MAR2017
2-pound Gold Medal All Purpose Flour
Package UPC: 000-16000-10710
Recalled Better if Used by Dates: 25MAY2017KC thru 03JUN2017KC
5-pound Gold Medal All Purpose Flour
Package UPC: 000-16000-10610
Recalled Better if Used by Dates: 25MAY2017KC, 27MAY2017KC thru 31MAY2017KC, 01JUN2017KC, 03JUN2017KC thru 05JUN2017KC, 11JUN2017KC THRU 14JUN2017KC
10-pound Gold Medal All Purpose Flour
Package UPC: 000-16000-10410
Recalled Better if Used by Dates: 02JUN2017KC, 03JUN2017KC
10-pound Gold Medal All Purpose Flour – Banded Pack
Package UPC: 000-16000-10410
Recalled Better if Used by Dates: 03JUNE2017KC, 04JUN2017KC, 05JUN2017KC
5-pound Gold Medal Unbleached Flour
Package UPC: 000-16000-19610
Recalled Better if Used by Dates: 25MAY2017KC, 27MAY2017KC, 03JUN2017KC, 04JUN2017KC
5-pound Signature Kitchens All Purpose Flour Enriched Bleached
Package UPC: 000-21130-53001
Recalled Better if Used by Dates: BB MAY 28 2017
5-pound Signature Kitchens Unbleached Flour All Purpose Enriched
Package UPC: 000-21130-53022
Recalled Better if Used by Dates: BB MAY 27 2017
2-pound Gold Medal Self Rising Flour
Package UPC: 000-16000-11710
Recalled Better if Used by Dates: 23AUG2016KC
Consumers can visit this page to ask additional questions or you can call 1-800-230-8103.
The news release says state and federal authorities have been researching 38 occurrences of illnesses across 20 states related to a specific type of E. coli (E. coli O121) between Dec. 21, 2015 and May 3, 2016. The CDC found approximately half of the individuals reported making something homemade with flour at some point prior to being ill, and some reported using a General Mills brand flour.
Based on information that has been shared with General Mills, some of the ill consumers may have consumed raw dough or batter, according to the news release. General Mills reminded consumers not to consume any raw products made with flour and to wash their hands, work surfaces and utensils after contact with raw dough products or flour.
According to the news release, E. coli O121 is a potentially deadly bacterium that can cause bloody diarrhea and dehydration. Seniors, the very young and persons with compromised immune systems are the most susceptible to foodborne illness.
The news release says anyone diagnosed by a physician as having an illness related to E. coli O121 is urged to contact state and local public health authorities.