SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --
General Mills and
Health Officials have collaborated and begun an
investigation of the ongoing, multistate outbreak of E.
Coli 0121. The
specific strand of E. Coli 0121 may potentially linked to
Gold Medal flour,
Wondra flour, and Signature Kitchens flour. Research has
been conducted of
38 occurrences of illnesses by State and Federal
Authorities.
While most strains of E. Coli are harmless and are
important for a healthy
intestinal track, others can cause illness. Some kinds of
E. Coli cause
diseases when combined with bacteria that produce toxins.
The specific
strain of E. Coli 0121 associated with this recall is a
potentially deadly
bacterium that can cause illness.
Symptoms usually
include diarrhea (often bloody), abdominal cramps, and
dehydration. People of any age are at risk of becoming
infected. Very young
children, the elderly, and persons with compromised
immune systems are more
likely to develop a severe illness.
Currently, E. Coli 0121 has not been found in any General
Mills products or
in the flour manufacturing facility. Full list of
products in this recall
can be found at
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm504235.htm.
Customers or consumers who have purchased any of these
products are
recommended to throw them away. For additional questions
or requesting a
replacement, contact the company at 800-230-8103.
Information regarding this
recall can also be found at www.generalmills.com/flour.
Public Health confirmed that Sheppard AFB facilities DOES
carry these
products for sale. These products have been reported and
removed off the
shelves. Consumers or customers who have questions about
the above recall
may contact 82d AMDS Public Health Flight at (940)
676-1874/3052.