Protecting Loved Ones: Check Expiration Dates on Pancake Mixes

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SUMMARY

This discussion highlights the critical importance of checking expiration dates on pancake mixes and similar products due to potential mold growth that can lead to severe allergic reactions. A personal account details a near-fatal incident involving a child with a mold allergy after consuming outdated pancake mix. Participants emphasize the necessity of discarding expired mixes and spreading awareness about the dangers associated with mold in food products. The conversation underscores the need for vigilance in food safety, particularly for families with allergy-prone individuals.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of food safety practices
  • Knowledge of common food allergens, specifically mold
  • Familiarity with expiration dates and their significance in food products
  • Basic cooking skills, particularly in pancake preparation
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the health risks associated with mold in food products
  • Learn about safe storage practices for baking mixes
  • Explore homemade pancake recipes to avoid commercial mixes
  • Investigate allergy management strategies for children with food allergies
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for parents, caregivers, and anyone responsible for food preparation, particularly those with children or family members who have food allergies. It serves as a crucial reminder for individuals concerned about food safety and health risks associated with expired food products.

ChefPaulaB
Messages
1,386
I recently received an email with this info in it and I checked it out on snopes.com and it is true. This may not effect everyone here, but it does effect my family... my 3 year old son has a deadly allergy to mold, so of course, this scared me to death! :eek: I was just getting ready to make some pancakes for breakfast and thought I'd try the lg. bar pan recipe with bisquick and realized that my bisquick is old as is my pancake mix. So glad that I read this email! Now I need to find a homemade recipe for pancakes! But it's worth it for my son's well being and my peace of mind!


WARNING IN THE KITCHEN -- Please Read

A student at HBHS had pancakes this week and it almost became fatal. His Mom (registered nurse) made him pancakes, dropped him off at school and headed to play tennis. She never takes her cell phone on the court but did this time and her son called to say he was having trouble breathing. She told him to go to the nurse immediately and proceeded to call school and alert the nurse. The nurse called the paramedics and they were there in 3 minutes and worked on the boy all the way to the hospital. He came so close to dying. Evidently this is more common then I ever knew.
Check the expiration dates on packages like pancakes and cake mixes that have yeast which over time develop spores.

WARNING ABOUT Pancake Mix (and other boxed mixes)
(maybe you already know this, I DID NOT !!) Talk about frightening.
...
Throw away
ALL OUTDATED pancake mix you have in your home, PLEASE! If yo u don't believe me, read this article and then follow the 'Link' below to SNOPES. Sorry to be the Grim Reaper of bad news, but I would rather have you ALIVE, a $2..00 box of pancake mix is NOT worth your life.

P. S. You might want to tell this to your children, grandchildren, nephews, nieces and anyone else who keeps pancake mix in the cupboard.
From Snopes: cause of death due to anaphylactic shock reaction to molds. 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 tha t, 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. Also, beware of outdated Bisquick, cake, brownie and cookie mixes.
 
This is a serious matter and I hope your readers will pass this on.I am so thankful that I checked the expiration date on my pancake mix, and that I had my cell phone with me when I left to play tennis. My son is doing well now and I am forever grateful for the quick response of the paramedics.
 
Thank you for sharing this important information. It's scary to think that something as innocent as pancake mix could potentially be harmful. I will definitely be checking the expiration dates on all my baking mixes from now on. It's always better to be safe than sorry, especially when it comes to our loved ones' health. I hope your son is doing well now and thanks again for spreading awareness about this issue.
 

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is it important to check expiration dates on pancake mixes?

Checking expiration dates on pancake mixes is crucial because expired products may not rise properly, leading to flat or dense pancakes. Additionally, consuming expired food can pose health risks due to potential spoilage or loss of quality.

How can I tell if pancake mix has gone bad?

In addition to checking the expiration date, you can assess the quality of pancake mix by looking for changes in color, texture, or smell. If the mix has clumped together, has an off odor, or shows signs of mold, it is best to discard it.

What is the typical shelf life of pancake mix?

The shelf life of pancake mix varies by brand, but generally, unopened mixes can last 6 to 12 months past their expiration date if stored in a cool, dry place. Once opened, it's best to use the mix within 3 to 6 months for optimal freshness.

Can I still use pancake mix after the expiration date?

While pancake mix may still be usable shortly after the expiration date, its quality and effectiveness may decline. It's advisable to perform a smell and visual check before using it, and if in doubt, it's safer to discard it.

What should I do with expired pancake mix?

If you find that your pancake mix has expired, it's best to throw it away to avoid any potential health risks. You can also consider composting it if it is free from additives that could harm the composting process.

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