Salmonella outbreak and tests trigger recall of Duncan Hines cake mixes

Federal officials are working with Conagra Brands to investigate Salmonella infections associated with the Duncan Hines cake mix. The multinational food giant today recalled some blends because a flavor had revealed the presence of the bacterial strain.

"The FDA is investigating the manufacturing facility that manufactured the recalled Duncan Hines cake mixes," according to a survey announcement released tonight by the Food and Drug Administration. "The FDA and CDC informed Conagra Brands that a sample of Duncan Hines' classic white cake mix containing Salmonella Agbeni was Salmonella collected from sick people reported to the CDC. This was determined by sequencing the entire genome, a type of DNA analysis. "

Conagra owns the Duncan Hines cake mix plant. FDA investigators collect product test samples and environmental samples of the equipment and surfaces of the manufacturing plant.

Both FDA and Conagra officials said consumers should not cook with the recalled cake mixes. They also advise against eating uncooked dough, flour, cake mix powder, or anything containing flour or uncooked eggs.

The Recall Notice from Conagra states that it has distributed the relevant cake mixes to US retailers and to "limited" international export markets.

"Although it has not been definitively concluded that this product is related to the outbreak and that the investigation is still ongoing, Conagra has decided to voluntarily recall the specific Duncan Hines variety." identified, Classic White, and three other varieties – Classic Butter Golden, Signature Confetti. and Classic Yellow – manufactured during the same period as a precaution, "says the recall notice.

The FDA's notice of investigation indicates that five diseases have been reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It is likely that other illnesses will be added to the number of cases because of the time lag between when a person becomes ill and when the CDC receives the results of confirmed laboratory tests.

CDC investigators continue to interview people who are ill to determine if they have been exposed to Duncan Hines cake mixes before they get sick.

Conagra's Recall Notice states that "many people reported eating a cake mix at some point before they became ill, and some may have eaten raw and uncooked products as well".

"We remind consumers to wash their hands, work surfaces and utensils thoroughly after contact with raw dough products, to follow cooking instructions and never to eat raw dough," says Conagra's leaflet. . "Consumers who have purchased these items are advised not to consume them and return them to the store where they originally purchased them."

Consumers with questions can call Conagra at 888-299-7646 or visit www.duncanhines.com.

Consumer tips
Food contaminated with Salmonella is generally not altered or altered. Anyone can get a Salmonella infection, but infants, children, the elderly and people with weakened immune systems are at higher risk for serious illness because of the fragility of their immune system, according to the CDC .

Anyone who has consumed any of the recalled products and developed symptoms of Salmonella infection should consult a physician. Patients should tell their doctors about possible exposure to Salmonella as special tests are needed to diagnose salmonellosis. Symptoms of Salmonella infection can mimic other diseases, often leading to misdiagnosis.

Symptoms of Salmonella infection may include diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fever 12 to 72 hours after consuming contaminated food. Otherwise, healthy adults are usually sick for four to seven days. In some cases, however, the diarrhea can be so severe that patients must be hospitalized.

Older adults, children, pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems, such as cancer patients, are more likely to develop serious illness and serious, sometimes life-threatening conditions.

Some people may be infected with the bacteria and may not become ill or have any symptoms, but may transmit the infection to others.

Consumers and retailers can identify recalled cake mixes by searching for the following labeling information:

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