The Growing List of Food Recalls
Pancake Mix Recall is the Latest Food Causing Concern
The threat of foodborne pathogens like salmonella are cropping up in everything from pancake mix to organic baby food to pet food.
Every year there are food recalls due to the potential risk of various foodborne pathogens, which can cause serious illness, sometimes even death. The latest food recall is a limited number of Aunt Jemima pancake and waffle mixes, strictly as a precautionary measure for potential risk of salmonella. No illnesses have been reported.
Salmonella
Salmonella is a bacteria that can cause serious illness such as diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps. How does a person contract salmonella from pancake mix? More than likely it could be because the product contains eggs or traces of eggs. Raw eggs can carry the risk of salmonella. Typically commercial pancake mixes do not contain raw eggs, but rather pasteurized eggs where the egg has been treated with heat to kill any bacteria, including salmonella. These products also usually contain an acidifying agent, such as Monocalcium Phosphate, that will also kill any bacteria. In this particular case, the real risk is eating the raw batter or undercooked pancakes, as the proper heating process of 160 degrees Farenheit would kill the bacteria.
Since raw eggs are one of the main carriers of salmonella, you have to be diligent with anything you use them in. You have to check the date on the package of eggs and always keep them refrigerated. Since children and the elderly are the most susceptible to contracting the illness, it may not be a good idea to let children eat cake batter, cookie dough or undercooked eggs.
Salmonella is also found in raw and undercooked meat, especially poultry, as well as raw fruits and vegetables and their juices, which is why you should be cautious when drinking unpasteurized juice and never give it to your children. Unpasteurized or raw milk and cheese also pose a risk. Foods recalled recently due to risk of salmonella included peanut butter, cantaloupes from Costa Rica, sesame tahini, parsley powder, frozen pot pies, crackers, alfalfa sprouts, fresh basil, yellow fin tuna, dog food and vegetable chips.
E. coli
E.coli is one of the leading foodborne bacteria causing serious illness, and sometimes even death. It is usually found in unwashed and raw produce, such as spinach, lettuce, sprouts, tomatoes, salad mix and green onions, undercooked beef (especially hamburger), unpasteurized milk, unpasteurized cheese and unpasteurized vegetable and fruit juices. Foods that were recalled in recent months due to the threat of E.coli included ground beef, steak, and spinach. The best way to avoid E.coli is to cook meat completely, and thoroughly wash all fruits and vegetables before consuming.
Clostridium botulinum (Botulism)
Botulism is produced by the bacteria clostridium botulinum and can be fatal. The majority of botulism cases each year affect infants, who consume botulism spores from foods such as honey and corn syrup, which is why you should never give these foods to children under one year old. The bacteria typically shows up in foods that have been home canned. Like the other bacteria, it can be killed by high temperatures, as well as by high acid or sugar content. Foods recalled in 2007 due to the threat of botulism included canned meat, canned stew, canned chili, chili sauce, canned gravy, pet food, apple juice, organic baby food, canned vegetables and bean salad.
Listeria
Listeria monocytogenes is another serious foodborne pathogen and pregnant women are twenty times more likely to get it than anyone else. It can cause numerous complications for the fetus. It is typically found in precooked meats and prepared foods such as hot dogs, luncheon meats, deli meats, coleslaw, soft cheeses, refrigerated pâté or meat spreads, refrigerated smoked seafood, raw or unpasteurized milk, raw beef, sushi, sashimi and all raw vegetable sprouts – which is why pregnant women should avoid all of these. Foods recalled recently for listeria included frozen chicken entrees, bratwurst, ice cream, milk, and tofu.
While rare, foodborne illnesses should be taken seriously. The Food and Drug Administration always has an up-to-date list of the latest food recalls. Please see more of my articles, including New Issues on Kids and Car Safety.
