On March 30, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued an investigation notice regarding cases of Salmonella suspected to have originated from a single unidentified flour source.
This most Salmonella outbreak as sickened people in 11 states. The CDC has launched an investigation into the outbreak, noting 12 illnesses have been reported. Three individuals have required hospitalization.
The CDC noted the true number of sick people in this outbreak is likely much higher than the number reported, and the outbreak may not be limited to the states with known illnesses. This is because many people recover without medical care and are not tested for Salmonella. In addition, recent illnesses may not yet be reported as it usually takes 3 to 4 weeks to determine if a sick person is part of an outbreak.
State and local public health officials are interviewing people about the foods they ate in the week before they got sick. Of the seven people interviewed, six reported eating raw dough or batter. Flour was the only common ingredient in the raw dough or batter people reported eating.
Investigators are working to identify a specific brand of raw flour that is linked to illnesses.
In the meantime, CDC always advises you not to eat raw cookie dough or cake batter.
