With the recent recall of some Gold Medal flours, it is more important than ever to NOT eat any raw products made with flour. The reason for the recall is a multistate outbreak of E.coli 0121.
E.coli 0121 is eliminated 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.
Some E.coli strains are harmless but E.coli 0121 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 food borne illness. Once you have ingested a product with E.coli, it can take anywhere from 2-10 days for symptoms to appear. In addition to the diarrhea and dehydration, abdominal pain and vomiting may also be present. Usually there is little or no fever.
General Mills continues to collaborate with officials to investigate the outbreak. The Gold Medal flours being recalled are: 13.5 oz Wondra; 2 lb All Purpose; 2 lb Self-Rising; 10 lb All Purpose; 5 lb All Purpose; 5 lb Self Rising; 4.25 lb All Purpose; 5 lb Unbleached; 10 lb All Purpose Flour-Banded Pack; and 2 lb Signature Kitchens All Purpose Flour Enriched Bleached. If you have specific questions about your product being safe, you can check online at the General Mills or FDA websites or call us at AnswerLine.
