FDA has confirmed E. coli in Nestle Toll House cookie dough

June 30, 11:32 AMSeattle Women's Health ExaminerKellie Fielding

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Nestle is voluntarily recalling all Nestle TOLL HOUSE refrigerated cookie dough
products. (PRNewsFoto/Nestle)

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), has confirmed that E. coli was found in the samples of Nestle Toll House cookie dough that were tested. "Nestlé continues to work closely and in full cooperation with the FDA on the ongoing investigation," said Laurie MacDonald, vice president of corporate and brand Affairs at Nestlé USA. "We are very concerned about those who have become ill from E. coli 0157:H7, and deeply regret that this has occurred."

Since June 19th, Nestle has voluntarily recalled close to 300,000 cases of its refrigerated cookie dough products made at their Danville, Virginia plant. Health officials are still searching for how the cookie dough became infected with the bacteria. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states, “As of Thursday, June 25, 2009, 69 persons infected with a strain of E. coli O157:H7 with a particular DNA fingerprint have been reported from 29 states”. Six of the confirmed cases have been within the state of Washington. Several of the victims are being represented by William Marler, a food safety attorney in Seattle.

The company included following statement in a June 29th press release: “Nestlé USA's Baking Division has been informed by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) that it has found E. coli 0157:H7 in Nestlé TOLL HOUSE refrigerated chocolate chip cookie dough bar. The product has a day code of 9041 and a "Best before 10 JUN 2009" notation. Nestlé continues to work closely and in full cooperation with the FDA on the ongoing investigation.”

“If consumers have any prepackaged, refrigerated Nestle Toll House cookie dough products in their home that they should throw them away,” said the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. “Cooking the dough is not recommended because consumers might get the bacteria on their hands and on other cooking surfaces.”

A detailed list of the recalled products can be found on the company’s website. If you prefer to speak with someone directly, contact Nestle Consumer Services at telephone number 1-(800)-559-5025.