General Mills, the manufacturer of Gold Medal flour, has issued a voluntary recall of select bags of their product due to a possible salmonella contamination. The recall was initiated after salmonella was discovered during a sampling of the 5-pound bags of the flour. The affected bags of bleached and unbleached all-purpose flour are available in 2, 5, and 10-pound sizes and have a "better if used by" date of March 27, 2024, and March 28, 2024.
It is important to note that all other types of Gold Medal Flour are not affected by this recall. In a statement, Mollie Wulff, spokesperson at General Mills, reminded consumers that flour is not a "ready to eat" ingredient and that anything made with flour must be cooked or baked before consumption.
Raw flour, which is often used in crafts or play clay, can contain salmonella, which can cause food poisoning. While salmonella bacteria die when exposed to heat, consuming raw flour can still cause illness. Symptoms of a salmonella infection include diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps that can appear within hours or days of infection. Most people will recover with treatment, but those experiencing severe symptoms or signs of dehydration should seek immediate medical attention.
General Mills is taking this recall seriously and is urging anyone who has purchased the affected bags of flour to dispose of them immediately or return them to their point of purchase for a full refund. The company has not yet responded to inquiries about the recall but is committed to keeping its customers safe and informed.