Multistate Outbreak of E. coli O157:H7, 2009

State public health agencies, including the Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH), are investigating a multistate outbreak of Escherichia coli (E. coli) O157:H7 in collaboration with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Initial investigation identified Nestle Toll House prepackaged and refrigerated cookie dough products as a source of illnesses in multiple states. The FDA advises that if consumers have any prepackaged, refrigerated Nestle Toll House cookie dough products in their home that they 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.

E. coli are bacteria commonly found in the digestive tracts of humans and animals, where they make up part of the normal bacteria of the intestine. Though most are harmless, some E. coli bacteria can cause serious human disease. Enterohemorrhagic strains of E. coli (EHEC), including the strain called E. coli O157:H7, can cause mild to severe diarrhea. Diarrhea is the primary symptom of EHEC; stools may be watery, frequent, and may contain blood. Stomach cramps may occur, but fever is not usually present. In addition, EHEC strains make a toxin called Shiga toxin that may lead to a condition known as Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome, or HUS, which can affect the kidneys and other organs. About eight percent of people that have an E. coli O157:H7 infection develop HUS, a condition in which red blood cells are destroyed and the kidneys fail.

Individuals who have recently eaten prepackaged, refrigerated Toll House cookie dough and have experienced any of these symptoms within 10 days of eating the product should contact their doctor or healthcare provider.

Information about the multistate investigation can be accessed at the CDC website at: 
http://www.cdc.gov/ecoli/2009/0619.html

Information about recalled products can be accessed at the Nestle website at:
http://www.verybestbaking.com/products/tollhouse/product-recall.aspx

E. coli O157:H7 (EHEC) Fact Sheets and Information:
E. coli O157:H7 (EHEC) Page
EHEC Fact Sheet (45k.pdf)
  EHEC Hoja Informativa (42k.pdf)

E. coli Outbreak Resources:
FDA Warns Consumers Not to Eat Nestle Toll House Prepackaged, Refrigerated Cookie Dough and Recalls Products
FDA Safe Food Handling Practices
Nestle Recalled Product List