General Mills recalls flour over possible E. coli link
NEW YORK -- General Mills is recalling about 10 million pounds of its flour over a possible link to an E. coli outbreak in 20 states.
The recall is for several varieties of Gold Medal and Signature Kitchens flour that were sold at Safeway, Albertsons and other supermarkets. General Mills said E. coli hasn't been found in any of its flour products, but is still recalling them out of "an abundance of caution."
The company said Tuesday 38 people were sickened from mid-December through May 3. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that half of the people used flour before getting sick, some of which was a General Mills Inc. brand. Some may have also eaten raw dough or batter, the Minneapolis food company said.
General Mills said customers should not eat raw dough or batter, and the bacteria found in raw flour is eliminated when cooked. It also said customers should wash their hands and work surfaces after contact with raw dough or flour.
The strain of E. coli that may be linked to flour can cause bloody diarrhea and dehydration, the company said.
Here are the specific products being recalled:
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 poundGold 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 03JUN2017KC, 04JUN2017KC, 05JUN2017KC
5 pound Gold MedalUnbleached 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
