Warning about Old Pancake Mix

Watch the date on your pancake mix! The following was in a recent email from a concerned parent.  It is a warning for parents about potentially deadly anaphylaxic shock reaction to molds contained in old pancake mixes.  Please read & check your own pantry for outdated pancake, cake and Bisquick mix.

"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 We checked  the date on the box of pancake mix and, to my dismay, found it was very outdated.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just that, and  found an article the next day t hat mentioned a19-year-old male DYING after eating pancakes made with outdated mix.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 Also, beware of outdated  Bisquick, cake, brownie and cookie mixes. "