FDA Warns of General Mills Flour and Cake Mix Recalls

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is warning consumers of a substantial General Mills flour and cake mix recall that is taking place due to the possibility of E. coli contamination.

General Mills is currently collaborating with health officials to investigate a multistate outbreak of E. coli O121, a particularly dangerous strain of the bacteria, that may be linked to some of its flour products. The recall was initially announced on May 31.

E. coli O121 is a potentially deadly strain and can cause bloody diarrhea and dehydration. Seniors, young children and people with compromised immune systems are the most susceptible to foodborne illness, the FDA warns.

On July 1, the General Mills flour recall was expanded to include additional dates. The specific products in the recall include 13.5-ounce Gold Medal Wondra, several sizes of Gold Medal All Purpose Flour and Gold Medal Self-Rising Flour, 5lb Gold Medal Unbleached Flour, and 2lb Signature Kitchens All Purpose Flour Enriched Bleached.

If you have in your possession any of the products included in the recall, you should throw them away. A full list of the recalled products (along with the specific UPC and Better if Used By Dates) is available at www.GeneralMills.com/flour.

Two flavors of Betty Crocker cake mix have also been recalled because they contain flavor chips that were produced using Wondra flour that is included in the General Mills recall.

Consumers who purchased Betty Crocker Delights Super Moist Party Rainbow Chip Cake Mix (UPC 000-16000-40997 with Use By dates of 25MAR2017, 28MAR2017, 27APR2017, 28APR2017, 23MAY2017, 24MAY2017, 25MAY2017) or Betty Crocker Delights Super Moist Carrot Cake Mix (UPC 000-16000-40987 with Use By dates of 12APR2017, 13APR2017, 14APR2017, 28MAY2017, 29MAY2017, 30MAY2017, 07JUL2017, 08JUL2017) should be aware that these products have been included in the General Mills flour recall.

The FDA is warning consumers not to consume uncooked cake batter or raw flour products. Harmful E. coli bacteria is eliminated with heat. Therefore, all products made with flour should be baked, fried, sautéed or boiled.

In addition, all surfaces and utensils that have come in contact with the flour or dough should be thoroughly cleaned.

Top Class Actions is unaware of any class action lawsuits that have been filed over this massive General Mills flour recall. However, we are reporting on the recall to make sure viewers are aware of the E. coli contamination possibility and that they are able to obtain replacement products, if desired.

If you have additional questions about the General Mills flour recall or if you would like to request a replacement product, call General Mills at 800-230-8103.

If you are diagnosed with an illness related to E. coli O121, you should contact your state and local public health authorities to notify them about your diagnosis.