A cake mix linked to an outbreak of E. Coli which has hospitalized 7 people so far

The CDC is investigating an outbreak of E. coli in several states that has sickened more than a dozen people and hospitalized several. Although no source has been identified for some however, the cases seem to go back to the contaminated cake batter.

People naturally wear E. coli bacteria in their intestines. But some strains (usually transmitted by eating food) are more likely to cause disease than others, especially in very young people or those with already weakened immune systems. Like many foodborne infections, E. coli tends to cause symptoms such as stomach cramps, diarrhea, and vomiting. In more severe cases, people can have bloody diarrhea and develop a life-threatening form of kidney disease called hemolytic uremic syndrome.

According to the CDC, as of July 28, at least 16 people in 12 states have contracted the same epidemic strain of E. coli bacteria, dating back to early March. Of these, seven were hospitalized and one developed hemolytic uremic syndrome, but none died. The outbreak is likely to be larger, but milder cases tend to go unreported, as many might never even make it to the doctor.

Of the eight people interviewed by the CDC so far, six said they had recently eaten or tasted raw cake batter, but all said they had purchased different varieties and brands of cake mixes. The Food and Drug Administration, according to the CDC, is currently conducting a follow-up investigation to see if it can identify a common brand or production facility linked to these cases.

Unbaked cake batter is a common source of foodborne illness, a source the CDC says try regularly to dissuade people from eating, apparently to no avail. This risk can come from raw eggs mixed with the dough, but even raw flour alone or in a cake mix can. carry pathogenic germs such as E. coli.

For those who still feel like munching on cookie dough, cookie dough flavored ice cream remains perfectly safe to eat. And companies like Pillsbury have recently started launching their own line of cookie doughs that were made with pasteurized eggs and heat-processed flour, which should make them safe to eat even raw. But for anyone using other brands or making their own raw cookie dough, please just steer clear of delicious but potentially dangerous kitchen treats, especially at this time.