An epidemic of E. Coli, which has sickened 17 people in eight US states, has been linked to flour sold in some Aldi stores, the CDC said Friday.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced in a statement on Friday that health officials were investigating a multi-state outbreak of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli O26, linked to flour packaged by ADM Milling Co., based in Buffalo, New York.

The discount grocery and ADM announced this week that they were recalling five-pound bags of all-purpose flour from Baker's Corner sold in some Aldi stores in 11 states "due to the potential presence of E. coli. "

According to the CDC, there were three hospitalizations but no deaths were reported.

This week, more than 62,000 pounds of raw beef products were also recalled as they could be contaminated with E. coli.

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Aldi and ADM Milling Co. are reminiscent of Bakers Corner all-purpose flour sold in Aldi stores in 11 states "due to the possible presence of E. Coli". (Photo: Elise Amendola, AP)

According to a recall notice posted Thursday on the US Food and Drug Administration website, flour has been distributed to some Aldi stores in Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont and West Virginia.

The UPC code for flour is 041498130404.

Baker's flour bags' Corner are recalled in 11 states and are linked to an outbreak of E. Coli. (Photo: CDC)

Aldi said in a statement that, as a precaution, she "recalled all the best results if used with dates and batches of all-purpose Bakers Corner flour products manufactured by ADM Milling Co." in affected states.

The discount grocer has also recalled all other ADM retail flour products in the region as a precautionary measure, said ADM in its release, adding that "no other product or customer's" 39 is involved in this recall for the moment. "

However, according to the CDC, the investigation is underway and officials are working with the FDA "to determine if any other brands or batches of flour could be contaminated and require a booster."

E. coli infections usually occur three to four days after eating the germ, says the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Severe stomach cramps, diarrhea (often bloody) and vomiting can occur after five to seven days. In severe cases, patients may present with haemolytic uremic syndrome, a type of kidney failure.

Customers can return the flour to local stores for a full refund. If you have any questions, contact ADM Milling Co. Customer Service at 800-422-1688 from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm. CDT on weekdays.

Follow Kelly Tyko on Twitter: @KellyTyko

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