10M Pounds Of Flour Recalled Over Possible E.Coli Link

General Mills is recalling about 10 million pounds of its flour over a possible link to an E. coli outbreak in 20 states.

The recall is for several varieties of Gold Medal and Signature Kitchens flour that were sold at Safeway, Albertsons and other supermarkets. General Mills said E. coli hasn't been found in any of its flour products, but is still recalling them out of "an abundance of caution."

General Mills flour recall news release

The company said Tuesday 38 people were sickened from mid-December through May 3. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that half of the people used flour before getting sick, some of which was a General Mills Inc. brand. Some may have also eaten raw dough or batter, the Minneapolis food company said.

"While have not found any presence of E. coli O121 in any General Mills flour products or in the flour manufacturing facility, and we have not been contacted directly by any consumer reporting confirmed illnesses related to these products, we want to take an active part in helping to prevent food borne illnesses," the company said in a statement.

General Mills said customers should not eat raw dough or batter, and the bacteria found in raw flour is eliminated when cooked. It also said customers should wash their hands and work surfaces after contact with raw dough or flour.

The strain of E. coli that may be linked to flour can cause bloody diarrhea and dehydration, the company said.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.