More Than 30 People Sickened by Recalled Flour Products
Thirty-eight people — including one person from New York — became ill in connection with recalled flour products from General Mills. Patch reported that many of these people contracted E. coli O121 after handling or eating uncooked dough.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that 10 people were hospitalized, but no one was diagnosed with kidney failure and no deaths were reported. Although CDC officials recognized the outbreak back in February, the agency did not find the connections to the recall for another two months.
Those who are infected with E. coli O121 may develop hemolytic uremic syndrome. This is a condition, according to The Mayo Clinic, that occurs when the red blood cells become damaged in an abnormally short period of time. They then start to clog the filtering system of the kidneys, resulting in kidney failure.
On May 31, General Mills issued a press release announcing it was voluntarily recalling its Gold Medal, Wondra and Signature Kitchens flour products. According to the company, the outbreak occurred across 20 states between December 21, 2015 and May 3, 2016. Patch reported the infected batch may have come from one of General Mills’ processing plants in Kansas City, Missouri. General Mills said the E. coli strain has not been found in any of its flour products or in its facility.
General Mills is advising people not to eat uncooked dough and to boil, fry or bake the dough to kill off any disease-causing bacteria. If anyone comes in contact with raw flour products, they are urged to wash their hands and clean off their utensils and work surfaces that came in contact with the product.
If you have been sickened by any food product, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact an experienced personal injury attorney who can advise you of your legal rights. The Law Offices of Levine & Slavit, PLLC are experienced in products liability matters and will fight for your right to compensation. Contact (888) LAW-8088 for a consultation today.
