CDC Final Investigation Notice: E. coli O26 Outbreak Linked to Flour

Published July 16, 2019

The final investigation notice regarding a multistate outbreak of E. coli O26 infections linked to flour has been posted at https://www.cdc.gov/ecoli/2019/flour-05-19/index.html.

Key points:

This outbreak appears to be over, but the recalled flour products have long shelf lives and may still be in people’s homes.
People should check their homes for recalled flour and throw it away. Do not use any of the recalled flour.
A total of 21 people infected with the outbreak strain of E. coli O26 were reported from nine states.
Illnesses started on dates ranging from December 11, 2018, to May 21, 2019.
Three hospitalizations and no deaths were reported.
Several products were recalled because they may be contaminated with E. coli. Those products include 5-lb. bags of Baker’s Corner All Purpose Flour sold at ALDI, some 5-lb. bags of King Arthur Unbleached All-Purpose Flour, some 5-lb. bags of Pillsbury Best Bread Flour, and several brands of cookie and brownie mix produced by Brand Castle.

For complete information on how to identify recalled products, visit the FDA websiteexternal icon.