What precautions should be taken to prevent salmonella contamination in flour?

Salmonella can survive in flour, so it's important to handle flour safely to prevent contamination. Here are some simple steps:

1. Cook Thoroughly: Heating flour kills Salmonella. When baking or cooking, make sure the flour reaches a safe temperature.

2. Proper Storage: Store flour in a cool, dry place. Keeping it dry helps prevent bacteria from growing.

3. Avoid Cross-Contamination: Keep raw flour away from ready-to-eat foods. Use separate utensils and surfaces when handling flour.

Research shows that Salmonella can survive in dry foods like flour and may resist heat if not cooked properly. Long-term storage can also affect how well bacteria survive. Therefore, ensuring flour is cooked thoroughly and stored properly can help keep it safe.