Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) in flours - BfR announcement No. 018/2022

Go back

Jul 25, 2022 - Foods

Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) in flours - BfR announcement No. 018/2022

In 2020, the German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) previously published opinion 004/2020. The background of this risk assessment was observations that a considerable number of flour samples from the nationwide surveillance plan (BÜp) were contaminated with Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC).

The risk assessment found that usually only small amounts of these bacteria have been detected in flour and so far, no cases of illness in Europe have been attributed to flour. However, in the USA and Canada, a link between disease outbreaks and STEC contamination in flour has already been established. 

Usual heat treatment methods in the production of food from flour (bread, fine pastries, flour-based dishes, etc.) protect consumers from health impairments as a result of infection with STEC. This also applies to baking in private households, provided the rules of good kitchen hygiene are adhered to. However, there is a risk of infection when consuming raw dough made at home or ready-made dough from retailers if the dough is contaminated with STEC. 

Further information can be found in the Notice No. 018/2022 of 7 July 2022 from the BfR or on our homepage at the following Link.

If you have any questions, our customer advisors will be happy to assist you.

Sources: 

BfR via Link

RKI via Link