Wellness

[Mindy D]

This new recall is for flour contaminated with a particularly nasty strain of E. coli. It’s a toxin producing strain E O26, which is potentially deadly and can cause kidney failure.  Keep in mind that different brands of flour are often processed in one major processing plant most of the companies use. This could mean that other flours could pick up contamination at the same plant where this Gold Medal was processed so watch for more brands to turn out to be contaminated. General Mills also owns Pillsbury. Wash your hands after handling raw flour.

From the CDC”People usually get sick from Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) 2-8 days (average of 3-4 days) after swallowing the organism. Most people infected with STEC O26 develop diarrhea (usually watery but sometimes bloody) and abdominal cramps. Some illnesses last longer and can be more severe. Infection is usually diagnosed by testing of a stool sample. Many clinical laboratories do not test for non-O157 STEC, such as STEC O26, because it is harder to identify than STEC O157. Most people recover within a week, but, rarely, some develop a more severe infection. Vigorous rehydration and other supportive care is the usual treatment; antibiotic treatment is generally not recommended. Hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) is uncommon with STEC O26 infection in the United States, but it can begin as the diarrhea is improving. HUS can occur in people of any age but is most common in children under 5 years old and the elderly. It is marked by easy bruising, pallor, and decreased urine output.”

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General Mills Recalls Five Pound Bags of Gold Medal Unbleached All Purpose Flour

When a company announces a recall, market withdrawal, or safety alert, the FDA posts the company's announcement as a public service. FDA does not endorse either the product or the company.

Summary

Company Announcement Date: September 16, 2019 FDA Publish Date: September 16, 2019 Product Type: Food & Beverages Reason for Announcement:

E. coli O26

Company Name: General Mills Brand Name:

Gold Medal

Product Description:

Unbleached All Purpose Flour

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Company Announcement

General Mills announced today a voluntary national recall of five-pound bags of its Gold Medal Unbleached All Purpose Flour with a better if used by date of September 6, 2020. The recall is being issued for the potential presence of E. coli O26 which was discovered during sampling of the five-pound bag product. This recall is being issued out of an abundance of care as General Mills has not received any direct consumer reports of confirmed illnesses related to this product.

This recall only affects this one date code of Gold Medal Unbleached All Purpose Flour five-pound bags. All other types of Gold Medal Flour are not affected by this recall.

Consumers are asked to check their pantries and dispose of the product affected by this recall. Consumers who have had to discard products covered by this recall may contact General Mills Consumer Relations at 1-800-230-8103External Link Disclaimer or visit www.generalmills.com/flourExternal Link Disclaimer.

Guidance from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) continues to warn that consumers should refrain from consuming any raw products made with flour. E. coli O26 is killed by heat through baking, frying, sautéing or boiling products made with flour. All surfaces, hands and utensils should be properly cleaned after contact with flour or dough.

This voluntary recall includes the following code date currently in stores or consumers’ pantries:

Gold Medal Unbleached All Purpose 5LB Flour

Package UPC	016000 196100External Link Disclaimer
Recalled Better if Used by Date	06SEP2020KC

Although most strains of E. coli are harmless, others can make you sick. E. coli O26 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.

Any consumers concerned about an illness should contact a physician. Anyone diagnosed by a physician as having an illness related to E. coli O26 is also urged to contact state and local public health authorities.

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Company Contact Information

Consumers: 1-800-230-8103External Link Disclaimer

Media: General Mills Corporate Communications 763-764-6364External Link Disclaimer Media.line@genmills.com

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https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/general-mills-recalls-five-pound...

[GAQShopr53]

Thank goodness it is a voluntary recall and according to the recall there have been no reported cases. I just hope no one has gotten sick and did not realize that the cause may have been the flour.

[phoenixbrd]

One more reason for being grateful that I don't consume flour.....hope all that do are safe.

[qbetzforreal]

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@phoenixbrd wrote:

One more reason for being grateful that I don't consume flour.....hope all that do are safe.

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Many different ways to contract e-coli other than consuming flour.

[ID2]

FYI keep in mind that most E.coli is killed in a matter of seconds after a certain temperature is applied. 

[BeccaLou]

@qbetzforreal It figures something would go nuts especially when breadmakers are making a come back. It's unusual that our BREAD FROM THE STORE ISN'T BEING AFFECTED.