2015-2016 Multistate Outbreak of E. coli O121 and E. coli O26:NM Infections linked to General Mills' Flour
In June 2016 the CDC announced that public health officials were investigating a multistate outbreak of E. coli O121 and E. coli O26:NM infections linked to flour produced at the General Mills' Kansas City, Missouri facility. In interviews with ill persons, sixteen (76%) reported that they or someone in their household used flour in the week before they became ill. Twelve (55%)of 22 people reported using Gold Medal brand flour.
On September 29, 2016 the outbreak was declared to be over. There were 56 ill people reported by 24 states. Sixteen people were hospitalized. One person developed hemolytic uremic syndrome. No one had died. Illness onset dates ranged from December 21, 2015 to September 5, 2016.
The FDA identified STEC O121 in an open sample of General Mills flour collected from the homes of ill persons in Colorado, Arizona and Oklahoma. On May 31, 2016 General Mills recalled several sizes and varieties of Gold Medal Flour, Gold Medal Wondra Flour, and Signature Kitchens Flour. On July 1 General Mills expanded the recall. the recall was expanded again on July 25, 2016.
Tags:
o121, e.+coli, stec, flour, general+mills, O26:NM, non O157 STEC, non O157, o26Overview
| Outbreak began: | December 2015 |
|---|---|
| Affected country: | US |
| States/territories: | AL, AZ, AR, CA, CO, IL, IN, IA, MD, MA, MI, MN, MO, MT, NE, NY, OK, OR, PA, TN, TX, VA, WA, WI |
| Pathogen: | E. coli O121, E. coli O26:NM |
| Vehicle(s): | flour |
| Location(s): | Private Home, Retail |
| Brand name(s): | General Mills, Gold Medal Flour, Gold Medal Wondra, Krusteaz Blueberry Pancake Mix, Signature Kitchens Flour |
| Molecular test results: | Not reported |
Health impact
| Total ill: | 56 |
|---|---|
| Number hospitalized: | 16 |
Sources & documents
| Recall notices | ||
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| Outbreak documents | ||