The CDC Declares the End of an Outbreak Linked to Flour, but the Threat Persists Due to its Extended Shelf Life
Gold medal flour salmonella
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has officially declared the conclusion of an outbreak of Salmonella Infantis infections linked to Gold Medal flour. This outbreak affected individuals across the country.
A total of 14 individuals were confirmed as victims in this outbreak, residing in 13 different states. Among them, three required hospitalization. The illnesses were reported between December 6, 2022, and May 2, 2023. The affected individuals ranged in age from 12 to 81 years, with 92 percent of them being women, according to the CDC.
While the outbreak has been declared over, the extended shelf life of flour poses a continuing risk, meaning that more individuals could potentially fall ill in the future.
Understanding the Dangers of Contaminated Flour and Salmonella Poisoning
Raw flour utilized in the preparation of cookie dough, cake batter, and other food products can harbor pathogens such as Salmonella. Typically, the baking process kills these pathogens. However, most patients in this outbreak reported consuming raw dough prior to falling ill.
Product Recall and Contamination Confirmation
General Mills, the manufacturer of Gold Medal flour, issued a recall for its flour sold in two-, five-, and ten-pound bags in response to the outbreak. The recall encompassed both the Gold Medal Unbleached and Bleached All-Purpose Flour, with a “better if used by” date of March 27, 2024, and March 28, 2024, as indicated in the recall notice posted by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Testing conducted by the FDA confirmed that the recalled flour produced by General Mills was contaminated with the specific strain of Salmonella associated with the outbreak.
Concerns for Consumers and Guidelines for Disposal
There is a significant concern that consumers may still possess unused portions of the recalled flour in their homes. If individuals have Gold Medal flour stored in containers other than the original packaging, they should dispose of it immediately, as it will not bear the necessary label information indicating the recall.
For those who still have the flour in its original packaging, it is crucial to check for the following label information:
Gold Medal Unbleached All Purpose 5LB Flour
- Package UPC: 000-16000-19610
- Recalled Better if Used by Date: 27MAR2024 and 28MAR2024
Gold Medal Unbleached All Purpose 10LB Flour
- Package UPC: 000-16000-19580
- Recalled Better if Used by Date: 27MAR2024 and 28MAR2024
Gold Medal Bleached All Purpose 2LB Flour
- Package UPC: 000-16000-10710
- Recalled Better if Used by Date: 27MAR2024 and 28MAR2024
Gold Medal Bleached All Purpose 5LB Flour
- Package UPC: 000-16000-10610
- Recalled Better if Used by Date: 27MAR2024 and 28MAR2024
Understanding Salmonella Infections and Seeking Medical Attention
Salmonella-contaminated food typically does not exhibit any noticeable signs of spoilage in terms of appearance, smell, or taste. Anyone can contract a Salmonella infection, but infants, children, seniors, and individuals with weakened immune systems face a higher risk of severe illness due to their fragile immune systems, as noted by the CDC.
If someone has consumed the recalled flour and develops symptoms associated with a Salmonella infection, it is essential to seek immediate medical attention. It is crucial for individuals to inform their healthcare providers about the potential exposure to Salmonella bacteria, as specialized tests are necessary to accurately diagnose salmonellosis. It is worth noting that the symptoms of Salmonella infection can often resemble those of other illnesses, leading to misdiagnosis.
Typical symptoms of a Salmonella infection include diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fever, usually appearing within 12 to 72 hours after consuming contaminated food. Healthy adults typically experience illness for four to seven days. However, in some cases, the diarrhea can be severe enough to require hospitalization.
Vulnerable populations, such as older adults, children, pregnant women, and individuals with compromised immune systems (e.g., cancer patients), are more susceptible to developing severe illness and experiencing serious, potentially life-threatening complications.
Additionally, some individuals may become carriers of the infection without displaying any symptoms themselves. Nevertheless, they can still transmit the infection to others, further emphasizing the importance of taking appropriate precautions and seeking prompt medical attention.
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