Betty Crocker Cake Mix Recall Issued Due To Contaminated Flour

A massive General Mills flour recall has been expanded for the second time this month, to now include certain Betty Crocker cake mixes that were processed with flour linked to an E. Coli food poisoning outbreak, which has sickened nearly four dozen individuals across 21 different states. 

A Betty Crocker cake mix recall was announced by General Mills on July 11, impacting two flavors of Betty Crocker cake mixes processed with Wondra flour, which was recalled on July 1.

To date, no illnesses have been reported from customers consuming the recalled cake mixes, but the flour may have been contaminated with bacteria that causes E. Coli infections.

The original General Mills flour recall was initiated on June 2, including over 10 million pounds of raw flour products used for cooking and baking.

According to an outbreak update by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), at least 42 consumers have been sickened across 21 states by the same strain of E. coli O121 after reportedly eating products that used General Mills flour products. The agency is aware of at least 11 consumers requiring hospitalization from the severe side effects.

Included in the newest recall expansion is Betty Crocker Delights Super Moist Part Rainbow Chip Cake Mix with Package UPC code 000-160000-40997, Betty Crocker Delights Super Moist Carrot Cake Mix with Package UPC code 000-16000-40987, and Betty Crocker Super Moist Rainbow Bit Cake Mix with Package UPC code 000-65633-46589.

E. coli O121 can cause serious and sometimes fatal illnesses, especially among children, the elderly and those with weakened immune systems. E. coli infections may also cause pregnancy complications for women.

Although most E. coli bacteria cause mild bowel irritation and flu-like symptoms, some forms, including E. coli O121, can be extremely harmful and cause bloody diarrhea and dehydration that can be extremely harmful to those with weakened immune systems. In severe cases, when E. coli O121 is left untreated, it can result in hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), which can lead to kidney failure for all age ranges infected.

The CDC is asking consumers to review the full list of popular General Mills cooking flour products so recalled products can be removed from pantries and cupboards to avoid later illnesses. For a full list of the recalled products and UPC code please visit http://www.generalmills.com/flour.

The products were sold in various grocery stores and food retailers across the United States and Canada. Customers are being asked to stop using the recalled cake mixes immediately, throw out any remaining inventory and to contact General Mills at 800-230-8103.