CDC Ends Multistate E. coli Outbreak Investigation Linked to Flour
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has declared an end to a multistate outbreak linked to flour.
The CDC, along with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and various state health agencies, investigated a multistate outbreak of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) infections. Epidemiologic, laboratory, and traceback evidence linked the outbreak to flour produced by a General Mills plant in Kansas City, MO. As a result, General Mills recalled 10 million pounds of flour in May 2016. The recall was expanded in July after more illnesses were reported.
To date, the agency has officially confirmed 63 cases in 24 states. There have been 17 hospitalizations and one case of hemolytic uremic syndrome, a type of kidney failure, but no deaths have been linked to the contaminated flour.
Although the investigation is over, the CDC expects additional illnesses to come about since flour and products containing flour have long shelf lives and may still be used in consumers’ homes. Also, it is possible that some consumers are still not aware of the contaminated flour recall.
Consumers are strongly urged not to eat raw dough or batter from any flour product. Flour or other ingredients used to make raw dough or batter can be contaminated with STEC and other germs that can make people sick.
Related articles:
General Mills Recalls 10 Million Pounds of Flour Due to E. coli
More E. coli Illnesses Prompt General Mills Recall Expansion
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