CDC says multi-state salmonella outbreak that hospitalized 3 is linked to flour
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said in a statement The probe notice was published on Thursday. The flour is believed to be the source of a multistate salmonella outbreak that has sickened about a dozen people and hospitalized three.
The agency said it was unclear which brand the outbreak might be linked to.
The CDC said, “State and local public health officials are interviewing people about the foods they ate in the week before they got sick. Of the 7 people interviewed, 6 (86% ) reported eating raw flour or batter.” “Flour was the only common ingredient in raw dough or batter that people reported eating. Investigators are working to identify a specific brand of raw flour that has been linked to illnesses.”
Most flour is raw, meaning it has not been treated to kill germs that cause food poisoning. When flour is mixed with flour or batter and cooked, the salmonella bacteria are killed in the process, but people can get sick from raw flour or batter.
The CDC said at this time there are no deaths related to the outbreak. sick people have been identified In California, Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Tennessee and Virginia. The first was illness. Reported As early as December 2022, the agency said.
“The actual number of people sickened in this outbreak is much higher than the number reported, and the outbreak may not be limited to states with known outbreaks,” the agency said. Details of investigation.
To avoid illness, the agency advises not to eat raw flour or flour, as even small amounts can cause illness. Baked goods should also be prepared according to directions, to ensure that germs are completely killed. The CDC said the warning is in effect even when there is no outbreak.
Heat-treated flour, which is not raw, can be used as a substitute in homemade playdough or raw dough recipes.
Symptoms of salmonella include: Diarrhea, fever and abdominal pain. Symptoms may begin within six hours of exposure to the bacteria, but may begin up to six days later. The CDC reports that most people recover within four to seven days without treatment. The elderly, children, and people with weakened immune systems may need to be hospitalized if they develop a severe illness. The CDC recommends calling a health care provider if you experience more than three days of diarrhea, high fever, symptoms of dehydration, or severe vomiting.
