Flour Recall 2019: Nationwide Recall For Possible Salmonella Contamination

General Mills (GIS) has issued a national recall of its five-pound bags of Gold Medal Unbleached Flour for possible Salmonella contamination.

The recalled flour has a better if used by date of April 20, 2020, and a package UPC code of 000-16000-9610-0. The recall only affects this date code as all other General Mills flour has not been recalled. General Mills is recommending that consumers dispose of the recalled flour.

General Mills said it is issuing the recall “out of an abundance of care.” The Salmonella contamination was discovered during sampling of the product. It said it has not received any reports of illness related to the contaminated flour.

Salmonella can cause fever, diarrhea that could be bloody, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. In rare instances, it can result in more severe illnesses such as arterial infections, endocarditis, and arthritis.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Disease Control both warn consumers not to eat raw products made with flour. Salmonella is killed through the heating process of baking, frying, sautéing or boiling. All utensils and cleaning surfaces that come in contact with flour or dough should also be properly washed.

“Food safety is our top priority, and though we have not had any confirmed illnesses, we are voluntarily recalling this specific lot of Gold Medal Unbleached Flour to prevent potential illnesses,” Jim Murphy, president of General Mills Meals and Baking Division, said in a statement.

“This recall does not involve any other flour products, and we are continuing to educate consumers that flour is not a 'ready to eat' ingredient. Anything you make with flour must be cooked or baked before eating.”

Shares of General Mills were down 0.50 percent as of 10:19 a.m. EST on Thursday.