The U.S. Centers for Disease Control (”CDC”) has released new data from the Nestle Toll House cookie dough E. coli O157:H7 outbreak. As of July 10, the CDC reports that 76 persons from 31 states have been infected with the outbreak strain (E. coli 0157:H7). Thirty-five persons have been hospitalized, 11 with a severe complication called hemolytic uremic syndrome. No deaths have been reported. Our prior reports on this outbreak can be found here.
The FDA has completed DNA testing of E. coli O157:H7 (a bacterium that can cause serious food borne illness) in a sample of prepackaged 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, Va., 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 prepackaged 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 prepackaged, refrigerated cookie dough products, using main ingredients from new suppliers. These products are not part of the ongoing the recall. Products that carry new labeling which includes a shield stating “new batch” are not part of the current recall.
The FDA and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention continues to warn consumers not to eat any varieties of prepackaged Nestle Toll House refrigerated cookie dough that has been recalled due to the risk of contamination with E. coli O157:H7. In addition, FDA and CDC 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.
If you have questions about this outbreak, please call the E. coli lawyers at Simon & Luke toll-free at 1-888-335-4901. We already represent several victims of this outbreak and are continuing our investigation into the cause of the cause of the cookie dough contamination.
