Federal, state and local health officials are investigating a multistate outbreak of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli O121 (STEC O121) linked to General Mills flour.
To date, thirty-eight people infected with the outbreak strain of STEC O121 have been reported from 20 states, with 10 requiring hospitalization for their illness. Illnesses started on dates ranging from December 21, 2015 to May 3, 2016.
No cases of hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a type of kidney failure, and no deaths have been reported to date.
Collaborative investigative efforts indicate that flour produced at the General Mills facility in Kansas City, Missouri is a likely source of this outbreak.
On May 31, 2016, General Mills recalled several different sizes and varieties of Gold Medal Flour, Gold Medal Wondra Flour, and Signature Kitchens Flour due to possible E. coli contamination.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that consumers, restaurants, and retailers not use, serve, or sell the recalled flours. In addition, they advise against eating raw dough or batter, whether made from recalled flour or any other flour.
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