General Mills widens flour recall after four more get sick

MINNEAPOLIS, July 2 (UPI) -- General Mills expanded its flour recall after four more people got sick nationwide from food poisoning connected to the products.

Forty-two people have become ill from E. coli linked to the company's flour. No one has died or developed the most dangerous symptom, kidney failure, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said. Eleven people have been hospitalized, the CDC said.

The General Mills recall covers types of Gold Medal Flour, Gold Medal Wondra Flour and Signature Kitchens Flour, according to the Food and Drug Administration. The company expanded the recall Friday from May 31 to cover additional lots of flour.

The new illnesses appear to be linked to the consumption of raw dough or batter to flour recalled last fall and produced at the General Mills' facility in Kansas City, Missouri.

"Although most strains of E. coli are harmless, others can make you sick," General Mills said on its website. "E. coli O121 is a potentially deadly bacterium that can cause bloody diarrhea and dehydration. Seniors, the very young, and persons with compromised immune systems are the most susceptible to foodborne illness. "

The FDA and CDC continue to warn that consumers to not consume any raw products made with flour. Anyone diagnosed by a physician as having an illness related to E. coli O121 is urged to contact state and local public health authorities.

"Do not eat raw dough or batter, whether made from recalled flour or any other flour," the CDC said. "Flour or other ingredients used to make raw dough or batter might be contaminated."

The agencies said to throw the product away.

Consumers with additional questions or requesting a replacement should contact the company at 800-230-8103. Or for additional information, visit generalmills.com/flour.