Nestle Toll House cookie dough products recall that may be linked to E. coli

June 20, 11:43 AMSeattle Women's Health ExaminerKellie Fielding

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Nestle USA voluntarily recalled its Toll House refrigerated cookie dough
products after a number of illnesses were reported by those who ate the
dough raw. (AP Photo/Seth Perlman)

 Nestle Toll House cookie dough products are being recalled as new information indicates a possible link to E. coli. At least 65 outbreaks of E. coli, relating to the raw cookie dough, have been documented throughout the United States. Thus far, 29 states have reported cases, and the state of Washington is included on the list.

“Nestlé USA’s Baking Division is initiating a voluntary recall of Nestlé® TOLL HOUSE® refrigerated cookie dough products”, said the company in a June 19th press release. “Nestlé is taking this action out of an abundance of caution after being notified that the Food and Drug Administration, together with the Centers for Disease Control, are conducting an investigation into reported E. coli 0157:H7 illnesses that may be related to consumption of raw cookie dough.”

The Nestle USA’s Baking Division includes the following products on their voluntary recall list: all varieties of Nestlé TOLL HOUSE refrigerated Cookie Bar Dough, Cookie Dough Tub; Cookie Dough Tube; Limited Edition Cookie Dough items; Seasonal Cookie Dough and Ultimates Cookie Bar Dough. A complete list of recalled products, including the UPC code, can be found on their website at www.verybestbaking.com. If you’d prefer to speak with someone directly, you may contact them at Nestle Consumer Services, 1-800-559-5025.

“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.”

E. coli is a bacterial infection that has several different strains. One of the more potentially serious strains is the E. coli 0157:H7. The FDA and CDC are concerned that this strain of the bacteria is linked to the raw cookie dough products. Symptoms of E. coli may include stomach cramping, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting. If you are experiencing these symptoms and think you may have contracted E. coli, contact your doctor’s office.

Western Washington reports 5 documented cases of E. coli that have potentially been linked to Nestle products. Two people were hospitalized in Washington, and at least 25 people nationally, but no deaths have been reported.