July 26, 2016 — General Mills is expanding a recall for potentially E. coli-contaminated flour after four new illnesses were reported in two states.
There are at least 46 illnesses in 21 states, and 13 of those victims have been hospitalized, according to a report by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).
The CDC also said a sample of the flour tested positive for another strain of E. coli — Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC O26) — in addition to the STEC O121 strain detected earlier.
General Mills initiated the recall in May and expanded it last month. The recalled flour includes Signature Kitchens, Gold Medal, and Wondra produced through February 10.
The recall now includes all-purpose flour with “best-by” dates between February-August 2017 and self-rising flour with “best-by” dates between August-October 2016. Click here for a list of recalled flour.
One victim has developed Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS), which is a type of kidney failure. About 5-10% of people who are infected with Shiga-toxin E. coli develop HUS.
The CDC is warning consumers never to eat raw dough, batter, or flour, whether it is made from the recalled products or not. E. coli is spread by animal feces or contaminated water. Flour is grown outdoors and it is not heat-treated to kill bacteria before it is milled, packaged, and sold in the grocery store.
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The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting flour induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know has been diagnosed with E. coli, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Food Poisoning Litigation Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.
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