(PCM) Those of us who are big fans of taking a few licks of the spoon when making some delicious chocolate chip cookies may want to think twice as the FDA has issued a new warning about the potential dangers from consuming raw cookie dough.
The FDA claims that in addition to any type of raw cookie dough, you should not consume any type of raw batter at all. This is due to the continued outbreak of illnesses that are linked to a particular strain of E.coli that was discovered to be present in flour that has since been recalled. The FDA goes on to warn that children should not be given any type of raw dough to play with as well, this goes for certain restaurants as well, that would often give children some raw pizza dough to play with while waiting for their food.
The source of the E.coli was discovered in flour which was recalled by General Mills last month and it affected nearly 10 million packages. The outbreak occurred at General Mills facility in Kansas City, MO and the company says a sample of the recalled flour tested positive for the E. coli strain.
Many people infected by the E.coli bacteria can suffer bloody diarrhea and abdominal cramps. Kidney failure is also possible, but not common. At least 10 people have been hospitalized due to the outbreak, however thus far no deaths have been reported. The FDA advises that anyone handling raw dough or flour should immediately wash their hands and anything else the dough or flour may have come in contact. E. coli bacteria can be killed once food is baked, boiled or otherwise heated during preparation.
Prior to the E.coli scare, individuals were warned not to consume raw cookie dough over fear of salmonella poisoning due to the raw eggs present in the batter. It now poses an even more dangerous risk. If you simply must have a taste of raw cookie dough, try ice cream that contains chunks of cookie dough, as those have been made with treated flour and pasteurized eggs.