An E. coli outbreak that has sickened 38 people in 20 states has triggered a General Mills recall of 10 million pounds of flour, the company said in a statement on its website today.
Flours included in the recall were sold under the brand names Gold Medal flour, Wondra, and Signature Kitchens, which is sold at Albertsons, Jewel, Shaws, Vons, United, Randalls, and Acme stores. Consumers who have purchased these brands of flours should check recall information carefully. Those who have purchased these recalled items should not eat them as E.coli infections can cause serious illness and death. Look at the flour you have stored in your pantry to see if you have any of these recalled items. If you do, throw them away in a sealed container or return them to the store where you bought them for a full refund.
The recalled Wondra flour was sold in 13.5 ounce containers with UPC 000-16000-18980 number and Better if Used by Dates 25FEB2017 thru 30MAR2017.
The recalled Gold Medal All Purpose flour was sold in 2-pound packages with the UPC number 000-16000-10710 and Better if Used by Dates 25MAY2017KC thru 03JUN2017KC; 5 pound bags with UPC number 000-16000-10610 and Better if Used by Dates 25MAY2017KC, 27MAY2017KC thru 31MAY2017KC, 01JUN2017KC, 03JUN2017KC thru 05JUN2017KC, 11JUN2017KC thru 14JUN2017KC; 10 pound bags with UPC number 000-16000-10410 and Better if Used by Dates 02JUN2017KC,03JUN2017KC; and 10 pound Banded Packs with UPC number 000-16000-10410 and Better if Used by Dates 03JUN2017KC, 04JUN2017KC, 05JUN2017KC.
The recalled 5 pound bags of Gold Medal Unbleached Flour have the UPC number 000-16000-19610 and Better if Used by Dates 25MAY2017KC, 27MAY2017KC, 03JUN2017KC, 04JUN2017KC.
And the recalled 2 pound bags of Gold Medal Self Rising Flour have the UPC number 000-16000-11710 and Better if Used by Dates 23AUG2016KC.
The recalled 5 pound bags of Signature Kitchens All Purpose Flour Enriched Bleached have the UPC number 000-21130-5300 and Better if Used by Dates BB MAY 28 2017.
The recalled 5 pound bags of Signature Kitchens Unbleached Flour All Purpose Enriched have the UPC number 000-21130-53022 and Better if Used by Dates BB MAY 27 2017.
So far, 38 people have been sickened with E. coli O121 illnesses in 20 states, associated with the consumption of these flours. Illnesses occurred between December 21, 2015, and May 3, 2016. Symptoms of an E. coli infection include abdominal cramps, mild fever, and diarrhea that can be bloody. Symptoms usually begin five to se days after exposure to the pathogenic bacteria. Some people may become so ill with this infection that they develop hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a serious complication that can cause kidney failure and death.
Health officials have not found the outbreak strain in flour products that have been tested or in the flour manufacturing facility, according to the company. However, some of those sickened reported eating raw dough or batter made with the recalled flours before becoming ill. And about half of those sickened reported making something homemade with flour before they got sick; some used General Mills brand flour.
“As a leading provider of flour for 150 years, we felt it was important to not only recall the product and replace it for consumers if there was any doubt, but also to take this opportunity to remind our consumers how to safely handle flour,” said Liz Nordlie, president of General Mills Baking division.
I recently purchased a 5lb bag of ShopRite brand flour. Do I have reason to discard it ? Thanks.
ShopRite brand flour is not mentioned in the recall, so it should be safe.
My question is what other brands of foods use this flour to produce food, like breads, biscuits, pizza dough, cookies, etc?
That is a good question, and we may hear more about this in the future. Recalls for those products are called “secondary recalls,” because they are made by companies other than the facility that produced the recalled product. Stay tuned and we’ll keep you informed.
I have a 5lb. bag of Gold Medal flour and it is dated May 21,2017 and the time stamp is 21:15, should I be worried and return to the store. I bought it at Wal mart , LaVale, Md.
The bag you bought is not on the recall list, so it should be okay. The store wouldn’t give you a refund if you tried to return it. But if you aren’t comfortable baking with it, just throw it away. Your peace of mind is more important.
General Mills has expanded their recall to include more expiration dates and products. Please check this page: https://foodpoisoningbulletin.com/2016/general-mills-expands-recall-of-flour-linked-to-e-coli-outbreak/ and see if the flour you bought is now part of the recall.
i have 5 pounds of gold medal no 19 31 10 use by 4/2017 is this one good
The recalls of 5 pound packages of Gold Medal flour have expiration dates in May and June 2017, so your bag is not included in the recall.