Nestle Cookie Dough E. Coli Outbreak Now Claims 76 Victims Nationwide
. By Ron Simon
Washington, DCThe U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has released new data from the Nestle Toll House cookie dough foodborne illness outbreak. As of July 10, the CDC reports that 76 persons from 31 states have been infected with the E. coli 0157:H7outbreak strain. Thirty-five persons have been hospitalized, including 11 with a severe complication called hemolytic uremic syndrome. No deaths have been reported.
The FDA has completed DNA testing of E. coli O157:H7 (a bacterium that can cause serious food borne illness) in a sample of pre-packaged Nestle Toll House refrigerated cookie dough currently under recall by the manufacturer and marketer, Nestle USA. Those tests determined the genetic fingerprint of the E. coli O157:H7 found in the FDA sample is different than E. coli O157:H7 that has been linked to the outbreak strain in patients. The contaminated sample was collected at Nestlé's facility in Danville, Virginia on June 25, 2009. During the course of its investigation, the FDA collected dozens of samples of products, ingredients, and environmental samples. Other samples were negative. Nestle USA has recalled all of its pre-packaged Nestle Toll House refrigerated cookie dough products associated with the outbreak.
While the FDA has wrapped up its investigation of the Danville plant, conclusions could not be made with regard to the root cause of the contamination. After a plant shutdown, investigation and clean-up, Nestle has now resumed manufacturing of Toll House pre-packaged, refrigerated cookie dough products, using main ingredients from new suppliers.
These products are not part of the ongoing recall. Products that carry new labelling which includes a shield stating "new batch" are not part of the current recall.
The FDA and the CDC continue to warn consumers not to eat any varieties of pre-packaged Nestle Toll House refrigerated cookie dough that has been recalled due to the risk of contamination with E. coli O157:H7. In addition, both agencies continue to warn consumers not to eat raw dough for cookies or other baked goods at any time due to the possible contamination with Salmonella or E. coli bacteria.