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12.12.2022 - Foods

Caution when baking cookies: Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) in flours

The Nationwide Surveillance Plan (BÜp) 2021 observed that a considerable proportion of flour samples were contaminated with Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC). STEC can cause severe food poisoning associated with diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting.

Common heating processes in the production of foods from flour (bread, fine pastries, flour dishes, etc.) protect consumers from health impairments as a result of an infection with STEC. This also applies to baking in private households if the rules of good kitchen hygiene are observed. However, there is a risk of infection from the raw consumption of dough made at home or ready-made dough from the market if the doughs are contaminated with STEC. 

You can access our profile on STEC on our homepage. Further information on pathogenic E. coli strains can also be found at the Robert Koch Institute or in the statement 004/2020 of the Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR).

To detect potential contamination early, quick and reliable results are the basis. We regularly conduct investigations for STEC in our laboratory, including cultural confirmation of viable organisms. Our customer advisors are happy to assist you with any questions.

Source: Food Safety Reports 2021 – Nationwide Surveillance Plan