CFS urges not to consume two kinds of prepackaged flour with possible E. coli contamination

The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department today (June 1) urged the public not to consume two kinds of prepackaged flour imported from the United States as the product might have been contaminated with Escherichia coli (E. coli). The trade should also stop using or selling the product concerned immediately.

A spokesman for the CFS said, "The Centre, through its routine Food Incident Surveillance System, noted the announcement by US Food and Drug Administration that General Mills Inc., an American manufacturer, is recalling several kinds of prepackaged flour as the product may be contaminated with E. coli. The CFS then immediately liaised with the US authorities, and followed up with General Mills Hong Kong Limited, the sole agent of the concerned product in Hong Kong. According to the information provided by the sole agent, two batches of the affected product have been imported into Hong Kong."

Product details are as follows:

Product name: Gold Medal All Purpose Flour
Weight: 2 pounds per pack
Use-by date: May 26, 2017

Product name: Gold Medal All Purpose Flour
Weight: 5 pounds per pack
Use-by date: May 25, 2017

The spokesman said that the sole agent confirmed that the above-mentioned product had already been distributed to local vendors, including two chain supermarkets. The CFS has instructed the sole agent to stop selling the affected product and initiate a recall. The sole agent has also notified the vendors concerned to stop selling the affected product. Members of the public may call the company's hotline at 2629 7766 for enquiries during office hours about the recall.

People will contract E. coli causing gastro-intestinal disease through consumption of contaminated water or undercooked and contaminated foods. Intestinal bleeding and serious complications such as hemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS) may also develop in some people. Moreover, due to poor personal hygiene, person-to-person transmission of this pathogen is possible through oral-faecal route.

The spokesman urged consumers not to consume the affected product. The trade should also stop using or selling the product concerned immediately.

The CFS will alert the trade, continue to closely monitor the situation and take appropriate follow-up actions. Investigation is ongoing.

Ends/Wednesday, June 1, 2016