Nowadays, we constantly hear news about products getting recalled because of their adverse effects on our health and that is extremely scary. General Mills flour is no exception as their product is part of a major recall after it was proven that 38 people have fallen ill from consuming it. It gets worse; however, as four more people have gotten sick from the consumption of bad flour and the supposed E. Coli strain that has contaminated them.
Any raw food can carry bacteria, whether you buy it from your local grocery or perhaps a weekend farmer's market. This is why consumers must be wary when buying raw products to restock their pantry with. Proper cooking methods are also important, as these help in a massive way to kill off all sorts of bad bacteria.
The General Mills flour contained E. coli 0121 strains, which have been found in those who have fallen ill in Arizona, Colorado, and Oklahoma. The recall covers Gold Medal Flour, Gold Medal Wondra Flour, and Signature Kitchens Flour, says NBC News. General Mills has expanded the recall to cover additional types of their flour that may have also been contaminated and they have advised consumers to not use any of these types of flour and immediately throw them out if they have it.
"Consumers should not eat raw dough or batter, whether made from recalled flour or any other flour. Flour or other ingredients used to make raw dough or batter might be contaminated," says the CDC. Products such as unbaked cookie dough, which has raw eggs in it, can be particularly dangerous when consumed.
No deaths have been reported so far according to the CDC. Among those who have gotten sick from the flour, only 11 have been hospitalized and none of them are in a serious condition. The CDC and General Mills have published websites that show which products consumers should avoid.
