Cakes and pastries cover a wide range of sweet baked goods. ‘Baking’ inadvertently kills vegetative microorganisms (bacteria, yeasts, and molds). However, product contamination through postbaking operations and/or from fillings and toppings can occur. The microbial growth rate is dictated by water activity, temperature, and pH of the products.
There are relatively few cases of food poisoning associated with these goods. But in these cases the pathogens Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Bacillus cereus, and Salmonella are important. Molds and yeasts are the key spoilage microorganisms in these foods.