General Mills has issued a recall for two varieties of its Gold Medal flour after detecting salmonella in a sample of the five-pound product, as reported by the Food and Drug Administration.
The recall, announced on Friday, affects Gold Medal unbleached and bleached all-purpose flour with “better if used by” dates of March 27, 2024, or March 28, 2024.
No other Gold Medal flour products are included in this recall. Consumers are advised to check their pantries and dispose of any affected flour.
While the recall notice does not link General Mills’ flour to any specific reports of illness, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is investigating a salmonella outbreak spanning 11 states.
Most of the 12 affected individuals reported having consumed raw dough or batter made with flour before falling ill.
The CDC’s March 23 advisory noted that investigators are trying to pinpoint a specific brand of flour connected to these illnesses.
Salmonella is a bacterium found in the intestinal tracts of animals, including birds, and can be transmitted to humans through contaminated food.
Although some infected individuals may not show symptoms, others typically experience diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps within eight to 72 hours after exposure.
Most healthy individuals recover within a few days, but severe cases can require medical attention. The recent outbreak led to three hospitalizations.
The FDA has advised consumers to avoid eating any raw products made with flour. While salmonella can be eradicated through cooking or baking, the CDC recommends that parents prevent children from handling raw dough or cake mix.
