Raw Cookie Dough

1. Sip on small amounts of fluid that contain sugar, such as popsicles, or an electrolyte replacement drink such as Pedialyte®, especially for small children.
2. Avoid taking any medication to stop diarrhea in children under the age of 12
3. Get plenty of rest.
4. Call 1-800-222-1222 for additional instructions.

Many people take a taste of raw cookie dough when making cookies from scratch. Although it is tasty, there can be problems that arise from the raw dough. Most people are aware of the risk associated with raw eggs, but the flour used in the recipe can also be a source of foodborne illness.

Flour is largely considered a non-issue; however, it is a raw agricultural product with opportunities to be exposed to possible contaminated soil and animal feces while in the field. Grinding the grain into flour and the bleaching process do NOT kill harmful germs, such as Salmonella or E. coli, which can cause food poisoning; therefore, it is considered a raw product. There are products on the market specifically labeled as “edible cookie dough” that have been pasteurized and processed in a manner to kill harmful germs, making them safe to eat.

Salmonella and E. coli Symptoms

Symptoms associated with Salmonella can occur anywhere between 6 hours and 6 days after exposure to the bacteria, and they can last for 4 to 7 days. Observed symptoms include fever, abdominal cramps, diarrhea (which can be bloody), headache, nausea, and vomiting.

Symptoms associated with E. coli can occur anywhere from 1 day to 1 week after exposure. Common symptoms are abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, which can be severe and bloody. Healthy adults typically recover from an E. coli infection within a week, but young children and immunocompromised individuals are more likely to develop hemolytic uremic syndrome, which is a type of kidney failure.

Most cases of food poisoning involve symptoms that are resolved within 12-24 hours. For first aid advice on rehydrating someone in that situation and on why you shouldn’t give them antidiarrheal medication, read our more detailed blog on food poisoning.

Best Practices to Avoid Salmonella and E. coli in Cookie Dough:

• Avoid tasting any raw dough or batter.
• Do not allow children to play with or eat dough, including that made for crafts.
• Follow the recipe directions for cooking and baking. Use the correct temperature and cooking times given.
• Do not add raw homemade cookie dough to ice cream.
• Clean up after handling flour, eggs, or raw dough. Wash your hands with soap and water and clean any surfaces they have touched.

If you find someone has eaten a small amount of raw cookie dough, do not panic. Give them some water to drink and monitor for symptoms. If problems start or you have questions, call the Missouri Poison Center right away at 1-800-222-1222. The poison center will make home follow-up phone calls and determine if the symptoms require medical intervention, requiring emergency care. The poison center is open all day, every day, for poisoning emergencies and questions.

**Note: Don’t forget, every case is different. To make sure you are getting the best information for your individual situation, click below to call or chat. It is fast, free, and confidential.