CDC: Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Flour - AARP

Contaminated raw flour was identified as the source of an outbreak of salmonella infections across multiple states, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced.

Although many consumers don't think of flour as a raw food, most flour is not treated to eliminate harmful germs that can cause food poisoning, making it unsafe to eat until it is cooked or baked. Consuming raw dough or batter can result in illness, and the CDC advises against children handling or eating raw dough that is used for crafts or play clay.

As of March 30, there had been 12 recorded cases of infection across 11 states — California, Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Tennessee and Virginia — resulting in three hospitalizations. These cases spanned from Dec. 6, 2022, to Feb. 13, 2023, and affected individuals between the ages of 12 and 81.

Health officials investigating the outbreak discovered that most infected people had eaten raw dough or batter made with flour prior to getting sick. Officials are currently attempting to determine if a specific brand of flour can be linked to the illnesses.

The CDC believes the true number of sick people in this outbreak is likely higher than the number reported, because infected people may recover without medical care and may not get tested for salmonella. Recent cases may also not be recorded because it can take up to four weeks to determine if an illness is linked to an outbreak.

Advice to consumers

Don't eat raw dough or batter. Even a small amount of raw dough can make you sick. Always follow recipe instructions for temperature and cooking time, and use heat-treated flour for homemade play dough to prevent illness.

Clean any bowls, utensils and surfaces that have touched raw flour with warm soap and water, and include your hands.

Separate raw flour, dough and batter from foods that won't be cooked.

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