Nestlé USA’s Baking Division has initiated a voluntary recall of Nestlé® TOLL HOUSE® refrigerated cookie dough products. Nestlé is taking this action after being notified that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), together with the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), are conducting an ongoing epidemiological investigation into reported E. coli 0157:H7 illnesses that may be related to consumption of raw cookie dough.

Since March 2009 there have been 66 reports of illness across 28 states. Twenty-five persons were hospitalized; 7 with a severe complication called Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS). No one has died.

E. coli O157:H7 causes abdominal cramping, vomiting and a diarrheal illness, often with bloody stools. Most healthy adults can recover completely within a week. Young children and the elderly are at highest risk for developing HUS, which can lead to serious kidney damage and even death.

The FDA and CDC are warning consumers not to eat any varieties of prepackaged Nestle Toll House refrigerated cookie dough. And, if you have any prepackaged, refrigerated Nestle Toll House cookie dough products in your home : throw them away. Cooking the dough is not recommended because consumers might get the bacteria on their hands and on other cooking surfaces.

Retailers, restaurateurs, and personnel at other food-service operations should not sell or serve any Nestle Toll House prepackaged, refrigerated cookie dough products subject to the recall.

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.

The FDA  and Nestle’s reminds consumers they should not eat raw food products that are intended for cooking or baking before consumption.

Consumers who have additional questions about these products should contact Nestle consumer services at 1-800-559-5025 and/or visit their Web site at www.verybestbaking.com.

For a complete listing of the recalled products click here