Recent recalls of flour are important to note, but a recall is not the only time to be concerned about the safety of uncooked flour.
In recent years, there have been numerous recalls and illnesses associated with uncooked flour and products containing uncooked flour, like boxed cake mix. While it is appropriate to be concerned about getting sick from those batches of recalled flour, that concern should apply to all brands and types of flour, regardless of a recall.
Flour is a raw agricultural product. Wheat is grown outside in a field where birds and other animals fly over and wander through the field, which can introduce contaminants. The wheat is harvested, taken to a mill and ground into powder. Flour is not treated in the factory to destroy potential pathogens such as E. coli. These bacteria will eventually be killed by cooking, baking or frying food. When you use flour at home as an ingredient in recipes, treat it with the same care as raw eggs and meat. Symptoms of E. coli infection can include stomach cramps, bloody diarrhea and vomiting. Severe infections lead to kidney damage.
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