Illnesses in 21 states traced to flour have left health officials puzzled about how the most basic baking ingredient became contaminated with bacteria normally found in animal feces.
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Raw cookie dough and batter are a favorite snack of many, but because of a current and ever-expanding flour recall, the FDA is warning consumers to steer clear.
Testing points to flour produced at the General Mills facility in Kansas City, Mo.
Both the CDC and the FDA are actively examining how the risky E.coli bacteria got into the flour, although both agencies have yet to determine the source of the contamination.
Schumer notes that a 21-state E. coli outbreak linked to tainted flour began in December but the recall wasn’t issued until May.
The E.coli microbe typically lives in animal intestines and is most commonly spread through fecal contamination. It is made by grinding wheat grown in open fields, and it’s not treated with heat or radiation or any other process in order to eradicate potentially harmful bacteria. These particular E. coli strains can cause symptoms such as abdominal cramps and diarrhea. However, in extreme cases of E. coli exposure, infected individuals can develop more extreme symptoms including kidney failure and even death.
The CDC reported that 13 people impacted by the E.coli contamination required to be hospitalized, while one suffered kidney failure.
The following unbleached, all-purpose and self-rising batches of flour were recalled: varieties from Gold Medal, General Mills, Signature Kitchens and Wondra flour brands.
FDA and CDC officials are now unsure of how the E. coli got into the General Mills flour, but are looking into it.
According to the FDA, at least 57 products have been recalled since May 31 due to listeria, salmonella and other bacteria.
“Only a small sub-set of flour produced at the Kansas City plant has been traced back to individuals who have become ill”.
Officials say the recall is a small fraction of the 2.5 billion pounds of flour produced by General Mills every year.
Schumer (D-NY) called for the Food and Drug Administration to overhaul its food recall process, saying potentially risky food can remain on sale for months before the agency issues mandatory recalls.
Consumers are urged to check their pantries to ensure they aren’t using General Mills flour impacted by the recall, if you believe you or a loved one may have been sickened despite FDA warnings, contact your doctor or local FDA office.
Throw away any product included in the recall, including flour stored in containers other than the original packaging, Neil said.
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Cooks at home and in restaurants and bakeries should wash hands, work surfaces and utensils thoroughly after working with raw dough products containing flour.
