Flour-linked E. coli probe ends, General Mills recall continues
Federal health officials have wrapped up their investigation into an E. coli outbreak linked to General Mills flour products.
In a final report issued Thursday, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said 17 more E. coli cases have been confirmed since late July. That brings the outbreak total to 63 people sickened in 24 states — including Minnesota, which had seven cases.
The first cases started last December, with new cases reported as recently as early September. Ill people range in age from ages 1 to 95. No deaths were reported.
Although the investigation is over, the CDC said illnesses are expected to continue for some time because the recalled flour products have long shelf lives and may still be in people's homes.
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The public health agency said the outbreak "is a reminder that it is not safe to taste or eat raw dough or batter, whether made from recalled flour or any other flour."
Investigators said laboratory and traceback evidence showed that flour produced at a General Mills facility in Kansas City, Missouri was the likely source of the outbreak.
General Mills issued multiple recalls on several sizes and varieties of Gold Medal Flour, Gold Medal Wondra Flour and Signature Kitchens Flour due to possible E. coli contamination.
A list of the recalled products and how to identify them is available on the CDC's website.