The FDA is investigating a Salmonella Agbeni outbreak that may be linked to Duncan Hines cake mixes. A sample of Duncan Hines Classic White Cake Mix the contained the outbreak strain matched the bacteria collected from ill persons. Whole genome sequencing was used to identify the bacteria and match its DNA.
Five people are sick with Salmonella Agbeni illnesses that have the same DNA fingerprint. We don’t know anything about these illnesses at this time, where they live, the patient’s age range, or if any of them have been hospitalized.
Conagra Brands is working with the FDA to conduct a voluntary recall of Duncan Hines cake mixes from the marketplace. And the FDA is conducting an inspection at the facility that produced the mixes, collecting environmental and product samples.
Consumers should not bake with or eat the recalled product. And don’t eat the uncooked batter or cake mix powder.
The problem with the contamination of these products is that it’s very difficult not to cross-contaminate kitchen surfaces with a dry mix. That powder can get everywhere: onto the countertops, the floor, into drawers, and onto utensils and plates and bowls.
Lawyer Fred Pritzker, who has represented clients sickened with Salmonella infections, said, “Even when you recover from this infection, there is still a risk you will develop a serious complication in the future.” Call 1-888-377-8900.
Food safety attorney Fred Pritzker said, “This outbreak reminds me of the E. coli outbreak that took place in 2016 that was linked to General Mills flour and sickened 63 people. People just don’t associate these dry products with bacteria, but research has shown that bacteria can grow and thrive on low moisture products.
You can see the list of recalled products at the FDA web site. The recalled products are Duncan Hines Classic White Cake Mix in 15.25 ounce packages with certain best by dates, Duncan Hines Classic Yellow Cake, Duncan Hines Classic Butter Golden Cake mix, and Duncan Hines Signature Confetti cake mix. The bacteria was found in the White Cake mix, but Duncan Hines is recalling three other varieties that were made during the same time period out of an abundance of caution.
The symptoms of a Salmonella infection ion include diarrhea that may be bloody, fever, abdominal cramps, nausea, and vomiting. Some people may develop a blood infection from this illness and need to be hospitalized. Children, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems are more likely to develop a serious complication from this illness. If you have worked with these cake mixes, with the specific UPC numbers and best by dates listed in the FDA recall notice, and have been ill, see your doctor.
