News, Info & Resources for the Cleveland Orthodox Jewish Community
From www.generalmills.com/flour.
On September 16, 2019, General Mills announced a voluntary recall of five-pound bags of its Gold Medal Unbleached All Purpose Flour with a better if used by date of September 6, 2020. Consumers are reminded that flour is not a ‘ready to eat’ ingredient.
Throughout the region, CEI currently has 22,222 customers without power. This is down from 61,000 last evening, and down from 27,000 around 11:00AM.
Additional hazards and broken poles, along with a lot of tree damage, have been identified.
All crews continue to work 16 hours on with 8 hours rest. You may see vehicles from Ohio Edison, Penelec, Penn Power and various contractors working throughout the area. Crews work to restore critical facilities (911 / hospitals / police / fire / etc) then focus attention on outages impacting the largest number of customers. These crews are working as quickly as safe work practices allow.
Complete restoration is anticipated by 4:00pm Monday. Estimates provided on First Energy’s website for restoration reflect this time, though many customers will be restored sooner. If your whole street / block / neighborhood has an outage, you’ll probably have power restored sooner than if your house is the only one on your street without power.
Please treat all downed wires as live and dangerous.
If you have not already reported your outage to First Energy, please do so now. Call 888-544-4877 or log in at https://www.
We appreciate your patience as FirstEnergy continues to clear hazard orders and work to restore power as safely as possible.
Sincerely,
Mayor Dylan Brennan
We as the frum community need to realize the opportunity we have in the City of University Heights to make a kiddush Hashem. There is no other public pool that avails itself to the sensitivities of the frum community and we need to do our utmost to ensure it stays that way. This year the pool opened its doors to nonresidents. Families need to follow the policy of not dropping their young children unattended and maintaining proper middos at the pool to the employees. The policy is that children unattended need to be 11 years old.
We as a community have a wonderful relationship with the city and it should just continue.
Michele Weiss and Mark Wiseman
City Council University Heights
Below is information about the status of the Cleveland Heights initiative I’ve been working on for over two years. This initiative has broad based support from the community at large as well as within our kehilla including both sides of the political spectrum and ranking members of both local parties. Many in our neighborhood already signed the petition.
It will be on the ballot. The question at hand is whether certain politicians will successfully muddy the waters by creating purposeful confusion for election day by voting to put a competing amendment on the same ballot. It’s ugly politics that does not speak well of our City. That decision is being made on Monday. Please find the below information helpful in sending communications to council as well as consider joining us Monday night wearing green.
Feel free to contact me for more information or better yet, go to our website at citizensforanelectedmayor.com.
Susan Efroymson
Hello Citizens for an Elected Mayor (CEM) community!
We’re in the homestretch to get our initiative on the November ballot. As you may have heard, five of our City Council members have formed a secretive PAC designed to oppose Citizens for an Elected Mayor. They’ve also rushed forward with a plan to add their own competing ballot measure to the November ballot, one that won’t create a full-time elected mayor, but will instead strengthen the City Manager’s position.
Like many in our community, we are concerned that having two amendments on the ballot will create confusion for voters. Our City Council members should listen to the will of the people before proceeding with their own preferred plan. Voters deserve a clear vote on what form of government their city ought to have.
We need you to do two things to help us.
First, we need you to contact City Council as soon as possible and tell them to delay any further action on their own plan until the citizen-led initiative has been presented to voters in November. The secretive PAC opposing our efforts has already started asking their supporters to contact council members, so we need to flood their inboxes!
Here are email addresses for our City Council members:
jstein@clvhts.com
mungar@clvhts.com
kseren@clvhts.com
mdunbar@clvhts.com
ccobb@clvhts.com
myasinow@clvhts.com
mayorroe@clvhts.com
Here’s a sample email for City Council:
Hello Councilmember BLANK,
I am BLANK, a resident of Cleveland Heights for BLANK years. (Feel free to include more information about your involvement in the community here). I believe that including two competing ballot initiatives will only confuse the voters of Cleveland Heights in November. I ask you to listen to the voices of real citizens here in Cleveland Heights. Please delay action on City Council’s proposed changes to the city charter until after voters have had a chance to make their voices heard. We deserve a clear “yes or no” vote on the on the future of our city’s structure. I’m asking you to embrace democracy we value in Cleveland Heights by making the decision as clear as possible for voters this fall,and delaying further activity on the council-led initiative until citizens have had a chance to speak. Give us one choice with one vote.
Thank you.
Would you like to support us on social media too? Here’s a sample message you can share.
Facebook:
Cleveland Heights voters deserve a clear choice this November. Tell City Council not to intentionally confuse voters. Please join us at City Hall on Monday, July 29th at 7:00 PM to tell our City Council that we want one choice and one vote. #onechoiceonevote
You can still participate charidy.com/ydtcle.
Below appears a list of locations from last year. If you know of a new location for this year or a previous location that is no longer extant let us know by emailing info@localjewishnews.com.
AS OF 4/14/19, NONE ARE CONFIRMED BLOSSOMING EXCEPT GUTOW’S.
Cleveland Heights
University Heights, Beachwood
Wickliffe
Rosh Chodesh Nissan marks the beginning of the season for Birkas HaIlanos – the blessing we recite upon seeing fruit trees in bloom. Since this blessing, which extols Hashem’s ongoing renewal of creation, is recited only once a year, its halachos are difficult to remember. Women, too, may recite this blessing since it is not considered a “time-related mitzvah” from which women are exempt.
The text of the blessing, as quoted in all of the early sources, is as follows:
בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה ה’ אֱ-לֹהֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם שֶׁלֹּא חִסַּר בְּעוֹלָמוֹ כְּלוּם וּבָרָא בוֹ בְּרִיּוֹת טוֹבוֹת וְאִילָנוֹת טוֹבִים לֵהָנוֹת בָּהֶם בְּנֵי אָדָם
Boruch ata Hashem Elokeinu melech haolam shelo chisar baolamo klum uvara vo beriyos tovos v’ilanos tovim lehanos bahem beni adam.
In several siddurim the word davar appears instead of the word klum. But since all of the early sources indicate that the original text had the word klum, not the word davar, and the reason for the change is unsubstantiated, it is, therefore, proper to follow the early sources and recite the word klum and not the word davar.
The l’chatchilah, preferred time to recite this blessing is immediately upon seeing a fruit tree in bloom during the month of Nissan. Most poskim agree that the halachah mentions Nissan since generally, that is the month in which trees begin to bloom. Accordingly, in an area where they start blooming in Adar, or where they do not bloom until Iyar or Sivan, the blessing should be recited in those months. In the countries where fruit trees blossom in Tishrei or Cheshvan, the blessing should be said at that time.
If a tree bloomed in Nissan, but one did not see it until later, he may recite the blessing the first time he sees the tree as long as the fruit of the tree has not yet ripened. Once the fruit has ripened, the blessing may no longer be said.
One who saw the trees in bloom during Nissan, but forgot or neglected to recite the blessing, may recite the blessing at a later date but only until the time that the fruit of the tree has begun to grow.
The blessing is said upon seeing the actual blooming (flowering) of the tree. The growth of leaves alone is not sufficient to allow one to recite the blessing.
Some poskim hold that this blessing should not be said on Shabbos and Yom Tov, since we are concerned that it may lead to shaking or breaking a branch off the tree. All other poskim who do not mention this concern, apparently do not forbid reciting this blessing on Shabbos and Yom Tov. It is customary, though, to recite the blessing only during the week, unless the last day of Nissan falls on Shabbos.
The blessing may be said at night.
Birkas HaIlanos is said only on fruit-bearing trees. If one mistakenly said the blessing on a barren tree, he need not repeat the blessing on a fruit-bearing tree.
The poskim debate whether one is allowed to say the blessing on a tree which has been grafted from two species, since the halachah does not permit such grafting. It is preferable not to make the blessing on such a tree.
Some acharonim prohibit the recitation of the blessing on an orlah tree. A tree is considered orlah for the first three years after it is planted. Many other poskim, however, permit reciting the blessing on an orlah tree.
During the year of shemittah in Eretz Yisrael, it is permitted to recite the blessing even on a tree which – in violation of the halachah – has been cultivated.
There are several hiddurim mentioned in the poskim concerning this once-a-year mitzvah. According to the kabbalah, especially, this blessing has special significance. Among the hiddurim are:
A vaccine clinic for the MMR vaccine will be held this Thursday, 4/18 at the local MinuteClinic inside CVS located at 14440 Cedar Rd., Cleveland, OH 44121 (corner of Cedar and Green).
Date: Thursday, 4/18
Times: 9:00-12:00 pm and 5:00-8:00 pm
Location: MinuteClinic inside CVS, located at 14440 Cedar Rd., Cleveland, OH 44121 (corner of Cedar and Green)
Please bring your insurance cards and photo IDs.
MinuteClinic is only able to administer vaccines to patients 18 months and older with most major insurances and to patients 19 years and older with Caresource and other state Medicaid plans. Patients 18 years or younger with Caresource or Medicaid will need to receive the vaccine at their health care providers’ office or at the local Health Department.
A vaccine clinic for the MMR vaccine will be held this Thursday, 4/18 at the local MinuteClinic inside CVS located at 14440 Cedar Rd., Cleveland, OH 44121 (corner of Cedar and Green).
Date: Thursday, 4/18
Times: 9:00-12:00 pm and 5:00-8:00 pm
Location: MinuteClinic inside CVS, located at 14440 Cedar Rd., Cleveland, OH 44121 (corner of Cedar and Green)
Please bring your insurance cards and photo IDs.
MinuteClinic is only able to administer vaccines to patients 18 months and older with most major insurances and to patients 19 years and older with Caresource and other state Medicaid plans. Patients 18 years or younger with Caresource or Medicaid will need to receive the vaccine at their health care providers’ office or at the local Health Department.
A vaccine clinic for the MMR vaccine will be held this Thursday, 4/18 at the local MinuteClinic inside CVS located at 14440 Cedar Rd., Cleveland, OH 44121 (corner of Cedar and Green).
Date: Thursday, 4/18
Times: 9:00-12:00 pm and 5:00-8:00 pm
Location: MinuteClinic inside CVS, located at 14440 Cedar Rd., Cleveland, OH 44121 (corner of Cedar and Green)
Please bring your insurance cards and photo IDs.
MinuteClinic is only able to administer vaccines to patients 18 months and older with most major insurances and to patients 19 years and older with Caresource and other state Medicaid plans. Patients 18 years or younger with Caresource or Medicaid will need to receive the vaccine at their health care providers’ office or at the local Health Department.
Below appears a list of locations from last year. If you know of a new location for this year or a previous location that is no longer extant let us know by emailing info@localjewishnews.com.
AS OF 4/14/19, NONE ARE CONFIRMED BLOSSOMING EXCEPT GUTOW’S.
Cleveland Heights
University Heights, Beachwood
Wickliffe
Rosh Chodesh Nissan marks the beginning of the season for Birkas HaIlanos – the blessing we recite upon seeing fruit trees in bloom. Since this blessing, which extols Hashem’s ongoing renewal of creation, is recited only once a year, its halachos are difficult to remember. Women, too, may recite this blessing since it is not considered a “time-related mitzvah” from which women are exempt.
The text of the blessing, as quoted in all of the early sources, is as follows:
בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה ה’ אֱ-לֹהֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם שֶׁלֹּא חִסַּר בְּעוֹלָמוֹ כְּלוּם וּבָרָא בוֹ בְּרִיּוֹת טוֹבוֹת וְאִילָנוֹת טוֹבִים לֵהָנוֹת בָּהֶם בְּנֵי אָדָם
Boruch ata Hashem Elokeinu melech haolam shelo chisar baolamo klum uvara vo beriyos tovos v’ilanos tovim lehanos bahem beni adam.
In several siddurim the word davar appears instead of the word klum. But since all of the early sources indicate that the original text had the word klum, not the word davar, and the reason for the change is unsubstantiated, it is, therefore, proper to follow the early sources and recite the word klum and not the word davar.
The l’chatchilah, preferred time to recite this blessing is immediately upon seeing a fruit tree in bloom during the month of Nissan. Most poskim agree that the halachah mentions Nissan since generally, that is the month in which trees begin to bloom. Accordingly, in an area where they start blooming in Adar, or where they do not bloom until Iyar or Sivan, the blessing should be recited in those months. In the countries where fruit trees blossom in Tishrei or Cheshvan, the blessing should be said at that time.
If a tree bloomed in Nissan, but one did not see it until later, he may recite the blessing the first time he sees the tree as long as the fruit of the tree has not yet ripened. Once the fruit has ripened, the blessing may no longer be said.
One who saw the trees in bloom during Nissan, but forgot or neglected to recite the blessing, may recite the blessing at a later date but only until the time that the fruit of the tree has begun to grow.
The blessing is said upon seeing the actual blooming (flowering) of the tree. The growth of leaves alone is not sufficient to allow one to recite the blessing.
Some poskim hold that this blessing should not be said on Shabbos and Yom Tov, since we are concerned that it may lead to shaking or breaking a branch off the tree. All other poskim who do not mention this concern, apparently do not forbid reciting this blessing on Shabbos and Yom Tov. It is customary, though, to recite the blessing only during the week, unless the last day of Nissan falls on Shabbos.
The blessing may be said at night.
Birkas HaIlanos is said only on fruit-bearing trees. If one mistakenly said the blessing on a barren tree, he need not repeat the blessing on a fruit-bearing tree.
The poskim debate whether one is allowed to say the blessing on a tree which has been grafted from two species, since the halachah does not permit such grafting. It is preferable not to make the blessing on such a tree.
Some acharonim prohibit the recitation of the blessing on an orlah tree. A tree is considered orlah for the first three years after it is planted. Many other poskim, however, permit reciting the blessing on an orlah tree.
During the year of shemittah in Eretz Yisrael, it is permitted to recite the blessing even on a tree which – in violation of the halachah – has been cultivated.
There are several hiddurim mentioned in the poskim concerning this once-a-year mitzvah. According to the kabbalah, especially, this blessing has special significance. Among the hiddurim are:
Dear Families,
Measles, a highly contagious respiratory disease characterized by a high fever and rash, has made a resurgence in the United States in 2019. Unlike previous outbreaks which have been very localized, this year’s outbreaks have been in 7 distinct areas in the country from New York to California and most recently in the Detroit, Michigan area, making the likelihood of spread that much greater. Thought to have been eradicated as recently as 2000, in just the first 3 months of this year, over 400 cases have been identified nationwide compared to just 86 cases in the entire 2016. Measles is one of the most contagious of viral infections with 90% of unprotected individuals likely to contract it. With increased travel likely over the next few weeks because of the Easter and Passover holidays, the potential for patients of our practice and others in this area to come in contact with someone with measles is that much greater. There are many recommendations floating around the internet, some from lay individuals with unfortunate exposure to the disease. After discussion with personal contacts at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and local infectious disease experts, we have prepared a measles exposure and vaccination guideline for our patients and their families. We will revise it as more information becomes available.
What is the history of measles? Measles is a viral infection that was first described in the 9th century. In the decade before the first measles vaccine was developed in 1963, almost every child contracted measles by age 15 with an average of 3-4 million cases each year. In the 1950s, per year, there were an average of 500 deaths, 1000 cases of encephalitis (brain swelling) and 48,000 hospitalizations. Widespread vaccination with the measles vaccine and, in 1971, with the combined measles, mumps and rubella vaccine (MMRI), led to an 80% reduction in cases by 1981. A second vaccination dose was added to the schedule in 1989 and by 2000, measles was declared eradicated in the United States although it continued to spread in the international community.
Why is this year different? Because of global travel and an unfortunate and untrue campaign in the anti-vaccine community to identify the MMR with autism, there have been sporadic outbreaks in the United States over the past decade. Because measles is so contagious, it can very rapidly spread in close knit communities and areas of close personal contact. In the past, there have been outbreaks in the Amish, Micronesian and Fillipino communities as well as in travelers to the Disney theme park in California and attendees at the FIFO World Cup finals in Brazil. This year, the largest outbreaks have been in Orthodox Jewish communities in New York, New Jersey and Michigan. Health authority officials have been quick to respond, declaring a health emergency in one NY county with a large unvaccinated population. Religious authorities in outbreak areas have responded with an unprecedented and largely successful push to vaccinate all children. While there has been no measles outbreak in the greater Cleveland area, Cleveland area religious schools have also taken a strong pro vaccination stance.
Who is at risk:
What clinical signs should I be looking for? Measles looks like many other viral infections with a high fever and a rash and red eyes. Remember the old adage. If you hear hoof beats outside your window, it could be a zebra but it is likely to be a horse. If your child has been vaccinated with two doses of MMR, it is not necessary for him/her to be seen with a fever and a rash. Conjunctivitis or red, draining eyes, is almost never caused by measles. If you are unsure about what to do, we are happy to speak to you (216.291.9210) and to see you in the office.
For the past 8 years, Chef Dave’s Catering has been more than my world – it’s been my identity. I’ve come in to the kitchen every single day and have felt deeply happy to be there. The joy and passion I’ve been putting in to what I do day in and day out – the processes, methods, systems, standards and successes have been the focus of my energy.
For personal reasons, I will be stepping away from Chef Dave’s Catering and the food industry. Effective immediately, Larry will be taking over all business operations and will ensure fulfillment of all Pesach orders to the level of quality that you have come to expect.
I am truly grateful and appreciative to my brother Larry, Young Israel, Green Road Synagogue and to this amazing community for giving me what has been an absolute privilege.
Sincerely,
Chef Dave Frank
We are in the process of developing a plan for the business going forward and will update you as that plan unfolds.
Please know that your Pesach orders will be fulfilled as expected, with the same quality and freshness you have come to expect.
We thank you for your patience, understanding and continued support during this transition.
Larry & Malkie Frank
By Efraim Tabak, Grafixer Studio
www.grafixer.biz
216-321-4321
This year the Agudath Israel of America’s Pirchei Division gathered in Cleveland, Ohio for their celebration of completing all Mishnayos by yeshivah students from across the continent. While this gathering was labeled as only for the Midwest, the dozen of cities which were represented fell beyond the geographical confines of Midwest America. As far south as Miami, Norfolk and Atlanta, to as far West as St. Louis or Denver, might technically be outside the designated area, but who counts when you are promised a blast? (The Denver delegation could not make it due to last minute weather conditions.) Bring young boys between the ages of 12 to 18 for a weekend of activities among their peers from so many cities, and you would think there is no need for any other program, they will party.
After a very spiritual Shabbos experience in the Cleveland Telshe Yeshiva’s dorms, the highlight of the Shabbaton was the Melave Malka where the actual conclusion of all six tractates were completed. There were several door prizes (electronic games, electric scooter, and several sets of Seforim), finger food of French fries, fried chicken and soda pop, and of course, live music. It had all the ingredients of an unforgettable experience. There was the program also of concluding all six volumes of the Mishnayos, and listening to some Divrei Torah from Rebbeim and from the representatives of the main office of Agudath from New York.
The evening did not disappoint anyone. The one thing you could count on was the exuberance of an overflowing crowd. Let six hundred boys gather in one room, after the rest of a Shabbos experience, and they will bring the house down. And they did their part. There were two takeaway which impressed me as an observer.
When the door prizes were displayed before the start of the program, and boys had to put their raffle tickets on each item, despite the very tempting video-game cartridge, electric chess a karaoke machine or even the electronic laser scooter, the crowd gathered around the various sets of Mishnayos, and Chumash. That impressed me.
The other incredible side event of the evening was when we all heard through the loud speaker that some cash was found on the dance floor, and the rightful owner could pick it up. While not too many people paid attention to the announcement, it deeply resonated in me. Here are some pictures to give an impression of the evening.
(Pictures below; more pictures at bit.ly/2J9Jai4, password 09032019.)
Heritage Lake Farm, LLC announces the immediate availability of its Kosher, 100% Real Maple SyrupProductunder the trademark “Mike’s Maple.” Mike’s Maple syrup received its Kosher certification by Cleveland Kosher on February 26, 2019.
“This is an important achievement for us as we seek to expand the market for our unique, locally-produced maple syrup, made by a skilled Amish sugarmaker and his family, blending traditional methods and modern technology,” said Marilyn Gardner, Co-managing Partner of the farm where production of the 2019 vintage of Mike’s Maple syrup is in full swing. “We’re the first and only Kosher maple syrup producer in Ohio and probably even west of the Hudson River,” said Mike Gardner, Marilyn’s husband and partner in the making of Mike’s Maple.
Kosher certification eliminates any confusion in the marketplace as to whether or not 100% real maple syrup is kosher without certification. The primary concern is that farmers using traditional methods to boil sap, typically need some type of anti-foaming agent to prevent the syrup from boiling over the finishing pan and creating a fire hazard. Mike’s Maple is produced only with a Kosher certified anti-foaming agent. Customers can enjoy our 100% Real Maple Syrup knowing that no animal or milk fat was used as an anti-foaming agent to produce Mike’s Maple syrup.
“WOW,” said Chef Dave Frank, of Chef Dave’s kosher catering, “that’s good!,” after tasting Mike’s Maple syrup.
The decision to offer a Kosher, 100% Real Maple Syrup was driven by consumer demand for local farm products and Heritage Lake Farm, LLC’s commitment to market expansion, to include the observant community. Mike’s Maple syrup is available in a variety of sizes and packaging including, 1.7 oz. (50ml), ½ Pint. (8 oz.), Pint (16 oz.), Quart (32 oz.), ½ Gallon (64 oz.), Gallon (128 oz.), 4- Gallon tubs, and 30- & 40-Gallon stainless steel drums. Mike’s (Kosher) Maple syrup can be found and/or enjoyed immediately at establishments posted on its Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/heritagelakefarm/) and can also be ordered by contacting us through our website (https://www.heritagelakefarm.com/).
Founded in 2008, Heritage Lake Farm, LLCis a Geauga County supplier of local farm products, including, 100% Real Maple Syrup, native watercress and chanterelles, and premium horse hay.
With the clock change, most zmanim are an hour later.
University Heights will host their second Coffee With a Cop program on Sunday, February 17th from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. at the University Heights Library. No agendas, no speeches – just real conversation between members of your police department and University Heights residents. The first 50 people in attendance will receive a coffee mug to take home.
The Klatzko Children Orchestra from New York are coming to Cleveland this Shabbat and will be live-streaming their famous weekly musical Havdalah from the home of Dr. and Mrs. Klatzko. The entire Cleveland community is invited to come over and join the celebration!
Feb 16th, 7:30pm at 3532 Blanche Rd, Cleveland Heights. Admission is free.
The Klatzko Children Orchestra has been featured in many online articles and performs all over the world. The children range in age from 9 to 21 years old. Their father, Rabbi Benzion Klatzko, is a passionate native of Cleveland. He is the founder of the world’s largest Jewish social network, Shabbat.com. Their mother, Mrs. Shani Klatzko, regularly–and nonchalantly–hosts 80 guests each Shabbat and is a legend in the New York community. The Klatzkos are excited to introduce the children to the wonders of Cain Park sledding!
Mayor Michael Dylan Brennan will deliver his first State of the City address on Wednesday, February 13th at 7:00 p.m. at the Jardine Room on the campus of John Carroll University. In his speech, the mayor will review the accomplishments of 2018 and look ahead to goals for 2019 and beyond. Dessert and coffee will be served.
Trash pickup delayed due to extreme cold.
There will be no trash pickup in University Heights on Wednesday 1/30, or Thursday 1/31, due to the expected extreme windchill.
Wednesday’s trash will be collected on Friday, 2/1, and Thursday’s trash will be collected on Monday, 2/4. All trash pickup next week will be delayed one day.
Because of the dangerously frigid temperatures expected over the next couple of days, and in consideration of the health and safety of our collection staff, the City will not pick up trash on Wednesday (1/30/19) and Thursday (1/31/19) collection will begin later in the day. Those whose regular pickup day is Wednesday will have pickup on Thursday. Thursday pickup will still be on Thursday. No other pickup days are impacted (just Wednesday).
From patch.com:
Progressive Insurance expects to hire 2,000 Northeast Ohioans in 2019, a move the company said will support its rapid growth. The company wants to hire 10,000 people nationwide.
The positions the company is looking to fill in or near Cleveland include “customer service, sales, multi-product sales, claims representatives, marketing, legal, IT, business analysis and other teams.”
For more info visit www.progressive.com/careers/ or progressive.taleo.net/.
From www.generalmills.com/flour.
On January 23, 2019, General Mills announced a voluntary national recall of five-pound bags of its Gold Medal Unbleached Flour with a better if used by date of April 20, 2020. Consumers reminded that flour is not a ‘ready to eat’ ingredient.
General Mills announced a voluntary national recall, on January 23, 2019, of five-pound bags of its Gold Medal Unbleached Flour with a better if used by date of April 20, 2020.
The recall is being issued for the potential presence of Salmonella which was discovered during sampling of the five-pound bag product. This recall is being issued out of an abundance of care as General Mills has not received any direct consumer reports of confirmed illnesses related to this product.
This recall only affects this one date code of Gold Medal Unbleached Flour five-pound bags, shown below. All other types of Gold Medal Flour are not affected by this recall.
Consumers are asked to check their pantries and dispose of the product affected by this recall. Consumers who have had to discard products covered by this recall may contact General Mills Consumer Relations at 1-800-230-8103.
“Food safety is our top priority, and though we have not had any confirmed illnesses, we are voluntarily recalling this specific lot of Gold Medal Unbleached Flour to prevent potential illnesses,” said Jim Murphy, president of the General Mills Meals and Baking Division. “This recall does not involve any other flour products, and we are continuing to educate consumers that flour is not a ‘ready to eat’ ingredient. Anything you make with flour must be cooked or baked before eating.”
Guidance from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) continues to warn that consumers should refrain from consuming any raw products made with flour. Salmonella is killed by heat through baking, frying, sautéing or boiling products made with flour. All surfaces, hands and utensils should be properly cleaned after contact with flour or dough.
Healthy persons infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. In rare circumstances, infection with Salmonella can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses such as arterial infections (i.e., infected aneurysms), endocarditis and arthritis.
Remember
Do not eat uncooked dough or batter made with raw flour. Flour is made from wheat that is grown outdoors where bacteria are often present. Flour is typically not treated to kill bacteria during the normal milling process.
Actions you should take