In 2016, 2019, 2021, and 2023, CDC investigated illnesses connected to raw flour or cake mix. A few of these inquiries resulted in recalls.  Another element in dough and batter that might be harmful is raw eggs. Salmonella is a bacterium that can cause food poisoning and can be found in raw and barely cooked eggs.

Recently, Gold Medal Unbleached and Bleached All-Purpose Flour from General Mills is being recalled in the USA due to the presence of salmonella. The company advised consumers to always follow safe food handling practices, such as washing hands and surfaces that come into contact with raw flour or dough and cooking flour-based products thoroughly to reduce the risk of illness.

What is Salmonella?

Salmonella is a type of bacteria that can cause illness in humans who consume contaminated food. Symptoms of salmonella infection include fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. In some cases, salmonella infection can be severe and require hospitalization.

In recent years, there have been several outbreaks of foodborne illness related to Salmonella in flour. To prevent the spread of Salmonella, it’s important to always cook flour-based products thoroughly.

Handling flour can be safe if proper precautions are taken to prevent foodborne illness. Here are some tips to stay safe when handling flour by CDC:

• Before handling flour, make sure to wash your hands with warm water and soap. This can help prevent the spread of bacteria.
• Eating raw dough or batter can increase your risk of foodborne illness. Always cook dough and batter according to recipe instructions.
• Flour should be stored in a cool, dry place, away from sunlight and moisture. This can help prevent the growth of harmful bacteria.
• Clean utensils and surfaces that come into contact with flour thoroughly with hot water and soap. This can help prevent cross-contamination.
• Never let kids eat or play with raw dough.
• The CDC also recommends that individuals should follow safe food handling practices when cooking and baking. This includes cooking foods to their recommended temperature and using pasteurized eggs in recipes that call for them.
• For cooking or baking flour, follow the recipe or package directions.

By following these simple tips, you can help prevent foodborne illness and enjoy your baked goods with peace of mind.

Consumer Advice:

If you suspect that you have food poisoning from consuming raw flour, it is important to stay hydrated by drinking fluids such as water, clear broths, or electrolyte drinks. Avoid solid foods until vomiting and diarrhea have subsided, and then gradually reintroduce bland foods such as rice, toast, and bananas.

To prevent food poisoning from consuming raw flour, it is important to avoid consuming raw cookie dough, cake batter, or any other uncooked dough or batter. Additionally, it is important to wash your hands thoroughly after handling raw flour or any surfaces that come into contact with it.

For further information related to the recall please visit the below link.

For further information related to this news please visit the below link.