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Nestle Cookie Dough Recalled: E. coli Investigated

By PritzkerLaw

Federal and state health investigators have associated an outbreak of E. coli O157:H7 in 28 states with consumption of raw, prepackaged Nestle cookie dough.

The company has announced a Nestle cookie dough recall affecting all varieties. In addition, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, along with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, are warning Americans not to eat the product, which is sold under the Nestle Toll House brand.

The products involved in the voluntary recall include all varieties of Nestlé refrigerated Cookie Bar Dough, Cookie Dough Tub; Cookie Dough Tube; Limited Edition Cookie Dough items; Seasonal Cookie Dough and Ultimates Cookie Bar Dough. Nestle has published a complete list of recalled packages.

A number of the 66 people who have been sickened by the outbreak strain of E. coli reported eating the pre-mixed dough uncooked. But the FDA said cooking the dough is not recommended, either, because consumers might get the bacteria on their hands and on other cooking surfaces.

E. coli  O157:H7 is a potentially deadly organism that sheds a powerful toxin that can cause severe illness, especially in young children, the elderly and others with weakened immune systems. Symptoms include vomitting, abdominal cramping and diarrhea, often with bloody stools.

Individuals who have recently eaten prepackaged, refrigerated Toll House cookie dough and have experienced any of these symptoms should contact their doctor or health care provider immediately. Any such illnesses should be reported to state or local health authorities.

Of the 66 confirmed cases, 25 people were hospitalized, including seven individuals who developed a severe complication known as hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). No deaths have been reported.

National food safety law firm Pritzker Olsen Attorneys has already been in contact with potential victims of the current outbreak and represents E. coli O157:H7 victims from a previous outbreak. The firm is involved in practically every major outbreak of foodborne illness and has collected tens of millions of dollars for victims of food poisoning over the the years. It is in the process of compiling information for a possible lawsuit related to the Nestle cookie dough E. coli outbreak.

Firm founder and president Fred Pritzker has been an outspoken critic of the U.S. food safety system and an advocate for change. One of the firm's clients, Jeffrey Almer, testified before Congress this year about the pain and suffering that accompanies food poisoning. Jeff and his siblings lost their mother in the peanut butter Salmonella outbreak that erupted earlier this year. Pritzker Olsen represents the Almer next of kin and the families of two other women who died in the outbreak. The law firm has filed a wrongful death lawsuit  in the case against Peanut Corp. of America.

If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with E. coli O157:H7 after eating Nestle cookie dough, call an E. coli lawyer at Pitzker Olsen. The firm is ready to assist you at 1-888-377-8900 (Toll Free) or write to us online using one of our free case consultation forms.

Full post as published by Food Poisoning Law Blog on June 19, 2009 (boomark / email).