(WWJ) - It's time to check your pantry, as a popular brand of flour has been recalled.
General Mills is recalling some five-pound bags of its Gold Medal Unbleached Flour due to the potential presence of E. coli, which was discovered during sampling the product.
The recall is being issued "out of an abundance of care," the company said. No consumer complaints of illness have been reported.
Although most strains of E. coli are harmless, others can make you sick. This particular strain, E. coli O26, is a potentially deadly bacterium that can cause bloody diarrhea and dehydration. Seniors, young children and persons with compromised immune systems are the most susceptible to foodborne illness.Anyone concerned about an illness should contact a physician. Anyone diagnosed by a physician as having an illness related to E. coli O26 is also urged to contact state and local public health authorities.
Consumers are asked to check their pantries and dispose of the product affected by this recall. If you have to discard products, contact General Mills Consumer Relations at 1-800-230-8103.
Guidance from the Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Disease Control continues to warn that consumers should refrain from consuming any raw products made with flour. E. coli O26 is killed by heat through baking, frying, sauteing or boiling products made with flour. All surfaces, hands and utensils should be properly cleaned after contact with flour or dough.