General Mills recalled the 5-lb bags of Gold Medal flour after a random sample tested positive for E. Coli O26, a strain that can cause serious food poisoning.
In a recall announcement, the company warned that E. Coli O26 is a potentially deadly bacteria that can cause bloody diarrhea and dehydration.
General Mills says it has not received any direct consumer reports of confirmed illnesses related to the recalled flour.
This is not the first time General Mills has recalled flour products due to E. coli. In 2016, an outbreak of E. coli from Gold Medal All-Purpose Flour sickened at least 63 people in 24 states.
Other flour recalls in 2019 include Pillsbury Best® bread flour, King Arthur All-Purpose Flour, and ALDI Baker’s Corner All-Purpose Flour.
Health officials warn that consumers should not eat any batter, cookie dough, or other uncooked products made with flour. Cooking the flour can kill E. Coli through baking, frying, sautéing or boiling.
All surfaces, hands, and utensils should be properly cleaned after contact with flour or dough, according to General Mills.
Source: General Mills Recalls Five Pound Bags of Gold Medal Unbleached All Purpose Flour
