Harmful Mold Found In Pancake Mix
This letter has been in circulation since 2006 when a mother wrote a letter to Dear Abby, hoping to warn others who have someone in their family that is allergic to mold. Personally, I believe everybody is allergic to mold at some degree. But, there are some that are extremely sensitive, and these are the people who really need to take heed to this warning. Yet, none of us should ignore it.
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PANCAKES MADE FROM OLD MIX CAUSE ACUTE ALLERGIC REACTION DEAR ABBY: I recently made a batch of pancakes for my healthy 14-year-old son, using a mix that was in our pantry. He said that they tasted “funny,” but ate them anyway. About 10 minutes later, he began having difficulty breathing and his lips began turning purple. I gave him his allergy pill, had him sit on the sofa and told him to relax. He was wheezing while inhaling and exhaling. My husband, a volunteer firefighter and EMT, heated up some water, and we had my son lean over the water so the steam could clear his chest and sinuses. Soon, his breathing became more regular and his lips returned to a more normal color. We checked the date on the box of pancake mix and, to my dismay, found it was very outdated. As a reference librarian at an academic institution, I have the ability to search through many research databases. I did just that, and found an article the next day that mentioned a 19-year-old male DYING after eating pancakes made with outdated mix. Apparently, the mold that forms in old pancake mix can be toxic! When we told our friends about my son’s close call, we were surprised at the number of people who mentioned that they should check their own pancake mix since they don’t use it often, or they had purchased it some time ago. With so many people shopping at warehouse-type stores and buying large sizes of pancake mix, I hope your readers will take the time to check the expiration date on their boxes. — SUE IN WYANTSKILL, N.Y. DEAR SUE: Thank you for the warning. I certainly was not aware that pancake mix could turn moldy and cause an allergic reaction in someone with an allergy to mold — but it’s logical. I wonder if the same holds true for cake mix, brownie mix and cookie mix. If so, then a warning should be placed on the box for people like me. We hear so often about discarding prescription and over-the-counter medications after their expiration dates, but I don’t recall warnings about packaged items in the pantry. Heads up, folks! |
Added Note: Before purchasing your next box of pancake mix, brownie mix, Bisquick mix, cake mix, and any other mix that involves yeast, please check the expiration date. If the expiration date has passed, or if it is very near, do not buy it. Refrigeration does not prevent these spores from developing into something deadly.
Before you go throwing everything out of your kitchen, it would be a good idea to learn more about mold and how you can help protect yourself now and in the future.
Make Your Pancake Mix From Scratch
I’m including a recipe on how you can make your own homemade pancake mix from scratch which does not contain yeast. It’s simple and it’s good. I’ve long since stopped purchasing store-bought mix. Everything in this recipe is identifiable, and it can be stored and used whenever necessary.
Added Note: In my personal recipe, I substitute the all-purpose flour with Cake Flour, and instead of the Kosher salt, I use Sea Salt, and for the white granular sugar, I use Raw Sugar, and I make sure that my baking powder does not contain aluminum.
The buttermilk is excellent in this recipe. It helps keep the pancakes soft and fluffy. If you don’t have any buttermilk on hand, simply add about two tablespoons of white vinegar to your existing milk and allow it to sit for about five minutes before adding it to the dry ingredients.
Recipe is accredited to the Food Network with Alton Brown. See actual page here.
“Instant” Pancake Mix
Ingredients
- 6 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda (check expiration date first)
- 3 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- 2 tablespoons sugar
Directions
Combine all of the ingredients in a lidded container. Shake to mix.
Use the mix within 3 months.
“INSTANT” PANCAKES:
- 2 eggs, separated
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 4 tablespoons melted butter
- 2 cups “Instant” Pancake Mix, recipe above
- 1 stick butter, for greasing the pan
- 2 cups fresh fruit such as blueberries, if desired
Heat an electric griddle or frying pan to 350 degrees F. Heat oven to 200 degrees F.
Whisk together the egg whites and the buttermilk in a small bowl. In another bowl, whisk the egg yolks with the melted butter.
Combine the buttermilk mixture with the egg yolk mixture in a large mixing bowl and whisk together until thoroughly combined. Pour the liquid ingredients on top of the pancake mix. Using a whisk, mix the batter just enough to bring it together. Don’t try to work all the lumps out.
Check to see that the griddle is hot by placing a few drops of water onto to the griddle. The griddle is ready if the water dances across the surface.
Lightly butter the griddle. Wipe off thoroughly with a paper towel. (No butter should be visible.)
Gently ladle the pancake batter onto the griddle and sprinkle on fruit if desired. When bubbles begin to set around the edges of the pancake and the griddle-side of the cake is golden, gently flip the pancakes. Continue to cook 2 to 3 minutes or until the pancake is set.
Serve immediately or remove to a towel-lined baking sheet and cover with a towel. Hold in a warm place for 20 to 30 minutes.
Yield: 12 pancakes
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