BookmarkBookmarkTickBookmarkAddCheckBoxFilledCheckBoxCircleBumpCheckedFilledMedical

Avoiding This Pregnancy Craving Could Save You From Food Poisoning

A recent salmonella outbreak across several states has been linked to raw cookie dough and cake batter. Here’s what you need to know to stay safe.
save article
profile picture of Wyndi Kappes
By Wyndi Kappes, Associate Editor
Published April 4, 2023
balls of raw chocolate chip cookie dough on cookie sheet
Image: Neta Livne | Shutterstock

There are plenty of foods to indulge in while pregnant, but there’s also a short list of foods to avoid. During your pregnancy you might crave favorites like sushi or cookie batter, but beware these food items are prone to harbor some potentially nasty bacteria that could be harmful to you and baby.

While the danger of eating raw cookie dough or cake batter is typically attributed to eggs, a more innocuous-seeming ingredient—raw flour—has been linked to a recent outbreak of salmonella, according to the CDC. Here’s what you need to know.

What caused the outbreak?

The outbreak, which has spread through 11 states now, has sickened 12 and sent three people to the hospital. The CDC is not currently able to pinpoint the outbreak to a specific brand of flour but has linked the consumption of raw dough or batter made with raw flour to cases in several states.

Why should I be concerned?

While it might not look “raw” most flour hasn’t been treated to kill germs that can cause food poisoning. Any raw flour used to make dough or batter can be contaminated with germs like salmonella, but salmonella germs are killed when flour is cooked or baked. Adults can get sick after eating raw dough or batter and children often can contract harmful germs like salmonella after handling or eating raw dough used for crafts or play.

According to the CDC, once contracted, symptoms from salmonella usually start within six hours to six days. Symptoms can include diarrhea, fever and stomach cramps. Some severe but often uncommon salmonella strains can sometimes cause infection in urine, blood, bones, joints or the nervous system, and can cause life-threatening issues.

How do I protect myself?

The easiest way to protect yourself from the salmonella outbreak is to avoid eating raw cookie dough or cake batter. It’s also advised to clean any surfaces or utensils that touch raw flour and to separate raw flour from food that won’t be cooked.

If you insist on satisfying your cookie dough or cake batter craving, consider trying out an edible cookie dough recipe with heat-treated flour or pick up a package of Pillsbury’s “Safe to Eat Raw” products.

If you want to learn more about the outbreak and see if your state has been affected, visit CDC.gov.

Please note: The Bump and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances.

save article
Article removed.
Name added. View Your List
ADVERTISEMENT

Next on Your Reading List

oysters on ice
Dad Curates Oyster Feast for Wife’s First Meal After Giving Birth
By Wyndi Kappes
person picking up an egg out of the carton
Check Your Eggs: Cartons Recalled After Salmonella Outbreak
By Wyndi Kappes
close up of sliced turkey deli meat
Boar’s Head Recalls 7 Million Pounds of Deli Meat Due to Listeria Risk
By Wyndi Kappes
ADVERTISEMENT
woman putting hot sauce on food
Can You Eat Spicy Food While Pregnant?
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
chipwich ice cream sandwich recall
ChipWich, Hershey's and Other Popular Brands Recall Ice Cream Treats
By Wyndi Kappes
fresh whole cucumbers
Whole Cucumbers Recalled in 14 States Due to Salmonella Risk
By Wyndi Kappes
cold cuts and deli meat on board
Can You Eat Deli Meat While Pregnant?
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
ADVERTISEMENT
planters peanuts and nut snacks on shelf in grocery store
Planters Nuts Recalled Due to Listeria Contamination Risk
By Wyndi Kappes
trader joe's organic basil recall due to salmonella
Trader Joe's Recalls Basil Due to Salmonella Concerns
By Wyndi Kappes
cooked shrimp on grill
Can You Eat Shrimp While Pregnant?
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
ADVERTISEMENT
various types of dairy products
Popular Super Bowl Snacks Linked to Listeria Outbreak
By Wyndi Kappes
charcuterie meats in plastic container
Charcuterie Meats Carried at Sam's Club Linked to Salmonella Outbreak
By Wyndi Kappes
pregnant woman drinking red raspberry leaf tea
Can Red Raspberry Leaf Tea Help You Through Pregnancy and Labor?
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
ADVERTISEMENT
close up of cut cantaloupe fruit
CDC Urges People to Avoid Cantaloupe as Salmonella Outbreak Grows
By Wyndi Kappes
peaches and plums at the market
Peaches, Plums, Nectarines Recalled Due to Listeria Contamination Risk
By Wyndi Kappes
woman cutting soft cheese on cheese board
The Ultimate Guide to Soft Cheeses in Pregnancy
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
pregnant woman eating a burger and fries at restaurant
What to Do if You Experience Food Poisoning While Pregnant
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
ADVERTISEMENT
kiwifruit
Why the FDA Is Telling Pregnant Women to Avoid Kiwifruit
By Wyndi Kappes
close up of pregnant woman holding a grocery shopping basket in grocery store
Top Foods to Avoid During Pregnancy
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
pregnant woman pouring a cup of coffee in the morning at home
Caffeine During Pregnancy: the Real Deal
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
ADVERTISEMENT
Article removed.