Story highlights
An outbreak of E. coli has caused 42 cases of illness in 21 states
General Mills has recalled more than 10 million pounds of flour
General Mills announced Friday that it is expanding its voluntary flour recall.
Federal and state health officials are investigating an outbreak of E. coli O121 that has caused 42 cases of illness across what investigators now say is 21 states, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The expanded list now includes Indiana. Eleven of those individuals had been hospitalized.
No one has had problems with kidney failure, as can happen with these cases, nor has anyone died.
Out of an abundance of caution, General Mills announced the voluntary recall of more than 10 million pounds of flour in June because it may be linked to the outbreak.
Approximately half of the ill individuals reported making something homemade with flour before becoming ill, and some of them reported using a General Mills brand of flour, the company said in a news release.
Initially, investigators believed that the illnesses occurred between December 21 and May 3, according to General Mills. Friday’s expansion is due to a newly reported illness that may have been related to someone eating raw dough or batter that had used this flour. The illness happened last fall.
The expanded dates are listed on the Food and Drug Administration’s website.
“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 company said, adding that some of the ill individuals also consumed raw dough or batter.
Eating raw dough or batter that is “intended for cooking” is not recommended. It also should not be given to children to play with, according to the CDC.
Symptoms of E. coli illness can include stomach cramps, diarrhea, vomiting and fever that can last five to seven days. Individuals who are very old or very young and those with compromised immune systems have an increased risk of becoming ill.
The recall includes Gold Medal flour, Wondra flour and Signature Kitchens flour. All three brands were sold at Safeway, Albertsons, Jewel, Shaws, Vons, United, Randalls and Acme retailers.
Consumers who have recalled flour should not use it. Contact General Mills with any questions.