Today, the FDA posted a complete product recall of all prepackaged and refrigerated Nestle Toll House cookie dough products.
The federal organization is warning consumers not to eat -- and restaurants not to serve -- any of the products, because they may be contaminated with the E. coli O157:H7 bacterium. They advise anyone who still owns Nestle Toll House cookie dough to simply throw it away since the E. coli bacteria may be present on the packaging, not necessarily inside the food.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are partnering with the FDA in an ongoing study, which has been conducted since March of 2009 in fact. Over 66 cases of illness originating from Nestle Toll House Cookie Dough have been reported, ranging across 28 of the United States and hospitalizing 25 people. No deaths have accompanied the illnesses so far.
Of the 25 hospitalizations, only seven cases of the E. coli infection evolved into Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS). This complication is known to cause kidney damage and even death, especially among young children and the elderly whose immune systems are not as strong as the average adult's system.
Symptoms of E. coli usually involve abdominal cramping, vomiting, and a diarrheal illness often accompanied by bloody stools. Most adults can be fully recovered within a week of encountering the infection. However, if any of these symptoms are present after eating Nestle Toll House's packaged cookie dough, informing the FDA or CDC is strongly encouraged.
This product recall serves as a reminder that no food should be eaten or served if it has not been cooked properly according to package directions, especially if it contains raw ingredients. Keeping surfaces clean and washing hands properly can also help ward off potential infections as well.
CDC/FDA contact information, as well as a complete list of recalled products, can be found on the official FDA website.
Source: FDA Official Website
Facebook
Twitter
RSS
