E.coli outbreak linked to raw cookie dough

The Minnesota Department of Health is investigating six cases of E.coli linked to eating raw Nestle Toll House cookie dough. The affected individuals range in age from 5 to 18 and became sick between May 3 and June 11. All have since recovered. Nationwide the tainted cookie dough is suspected in 66 cases of E.coli (Escherichia coli) spread across 28 states.

The health department is advising residents to throw out all packages of Nestle Toll House cookie dough. Cooking the dough will not ensure safety because individuals could still get the bacteria on their hands or on other cooking surfaces. Nestle U.S.’s baking division has issued a voluntary recall of the product.

“Cookie dough, whether purchased in a tub from the store, or made at home from scratch, should not be eaten raw,” said Carlota Medus, an epidemiologist with the state health department, in a statement announcing the illnesses.