Outbreak Summary
On July 28, 2021, the CDC announced a multistate outbreak of E. Coli illnesses has been traced back to cake mixes. No specific brand or type of mix has been singled out yet, but at least 16 people in 12 different states became infected with E. coli after tasting or eating cake batter from commercially available cake mixes, and at least 7 people have been hospitalized.
The outbreak is truly widespread, with one or two people sick in twelve different states ranging from Washington to South Carolina. It is likely that the true magnitude of the outbreak is larger, and that more people will get sick.
E. coli bacteria should not be found in cake mixes. That said, the CDC has advised that consumers can take these precautions to avoid infection:
• Do not taste or eat any raw batter, whether it is from a homemade recipe or from a mix.
• Do not let children eat raw batter. Foodborne illnesses can be more serious for children.
• Bake or cook raw batter before eating.
• Follow the recipe or package directions for cooking or baking at the proper temperature and for the specified time.
• Do not make milkshakes with products that contain raw foods such as cake mix, flour, or eggs.
• Keep raw foods such as cake mix, flour, or eggs separate from ready-to-eat foods. Because cake mix and flour are powders, they can spread easily.
• Follow label directions to refrigerate products containing raw batter or eggs until they are cooked.
• Clean up thoroughly after handling cake mix, flour, or eggs.
OFT’s E. Coli lawyers are actively investigating this outbreak, and this page will update as we uncover more information. If you or a loved believe you were sickened in this outbreak, please call or contact us using the form on the page for a free consultation.
More Details
At least 16 people in 12 states spread across the continent have been infected by E. coli after eating or tasting raw cake mix:
Symptoms of an E. coli infection can vary, but the most common indications of an infection are:
Like many bacteria and viruses, E. coli has an incubation period. This is a delay between when someone is exposed to the bacteria and when that person displays symptoms. For E. coli, the incubation period can last between one and 10 days, with an average of three-four days for when symptoms begin to show.
E. coli often starts as an upset stomach and non-bloody diarrhea, which will then escalate over several days.
Up to 10% of individuals suffering from an E. coli infection develop HUS, which is a life-threatening condition. HUS develops about seven days after the first E. coli symptoms appear and when the diarrhea is improving. HUS can cause a person’s kidneys to stop working. If you notice the signs, you should get yourself or loved one to the hospital for treatment right away.
Symptoms of HUS include:
Many people diagnosed with HUS recover within a few weeks with proper treatment. However, HUS can cause permanent physical harm or even death.
OFT Law offers free consultations to anybody potentially impacted by the outbreak. Our food poisoning attorneys have helped get compensation for thousands of clients, and we’d love for you to be next. Call us at (866) 395-8498 today to learn more about how we can best serve you.