Flour and Salmonella: CDC Warns of Outbreaks and Safety Measures

The CDC has issued a warning about a Salmonella outbreak linked to flour, with 12 people sick and three hospitalized across 11 states. While no specific brand has been identified, any raw flour can carry the bacteria, which can cause diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps. Flour can become contaminated with Salmonella when it comes into contact with feces in fields or contaminated irrigation water. There is no "kill step" with flour, so it's important to handle it with care, including not eating raw batter, washing hands and surfaces, and cooking food made with raw flour before eating it.