Despite no evidence of E. coli in its plants or kitchens, General Mills has recalled its flours out of abundant precautions.
Citing an outbreak of E. coli that has already sickened 38 people in the U.S., General Mills has issued a voluntary recall of nearly 10 million pounds of flour. It has further stated that is working with health officials to investigate the E. coli outbreak.
Significantly, the strain of bacteria has not been found in any of its locations, including its Wondra, Gold Medal and Signature Kitchens flours or in their manufacturing plants. The Minneapolis-based company went on to add that it has not been contacted directly by any consumer regarding any illness.
The General Mills clarified, “Out of an abundance of caution, a voluntary recall is being made.”
Health officials in the United States are probing an outbreak of E. coli O121 which took place from December 21 to May 3. The potentially deadly strain of bacteria can cause dehydration and blood-diarrhea among very young children, the elderly and those who have a weak immune system.
As per General Mills, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention discovered that nearly 50% of those affected have reported cooking with flour before becoming ill. Half of those affected have reportedly used a General Mills brand.
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Kellogg Co has also announced a recall of a variety of its granola and granola bars. Kashi Co, a company owned by Kellogg, said the bars contained ingredients originating from sunflower seeds, which are distributed by SunOpta. These potentially could be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes bacteria.
The Listeria monocytogenes bacteria can cause serious of not fatal infections in frail people, elderlies and in young children along with those who have a weak immune system.
Earlier last month, SunOpta had recalled some of its products which use sunflower kernels at its Crookston, Minnesota plant between February 1 and February 19. It recalled the products citing their potential to be contaminated with listeria.
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