The fecal germs can cause severe gastrointestinal and kidney diseases, especially in children, and even hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS or HU syndrome). They get into these products mainly through the milled grain. We tested 48 ready-to-eat doughs (e.g. cookie dough or gingerbread dough) from all over Austria for shiga/verotoxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC/VTEC). Two samples (4.2%) contained STEC/VTEC and were therefore judged to be harmful to health.
Manufacturers and distributors must ensure that these products are removed from the market.
Tip
- Do not taste ready-made doughs and batter raw.
Focus action on vero- and shigatoxin-producing Escherichia coli in ready-made doughs