E. Coli in Nestlé Toll House Cookie Dough

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Background (Updated July 13, 2009)

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 Nestlé Toll House refrigerated cookie dough currently under recall by the manufacturer and marketer, Nestlé 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, FDA collected dozens of samples of products, ingredients, and environmental samples. Other samples were negative.

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. A copy of the form FDA-483 Inspectional Observations, issued to Nestle management at the conclusion of the inspection on July 9, 2009 can be viewed at: http://www.fda.gov/AboutFDA/CentersOffices/ORA/ORAElectronicReadingRoom/default.htm.

After a plant shutdown, investigation and clean-up, Nestle has resumed manufacturing of Toll House prepackaged, refrigerated cookie dough products, now made with main ingredients from new suppliers. These products are not part of the ongoing the recall, and are not associated with any illness outbreaks or known contamination. 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 Nestlé 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.

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 one has died.
Nestlé USA has fully cooperated with the FDA and CDC investigation and has recalled all of its prepackaged Nestlé Toll House refrigerated cookie dough products associated with the outbreak.

News

• FDA Confirms E. Coli O157:H7 in Prepackaged Nestlé Toll House Refrigerated Cookie Dough
• FDA Warns Consumers Not to Eat Nestlé Toll House Prepackaged, Refrigerated Cookie Dough
• Multistate Outbreak of E. Coli O157:H7 Infections Linked to Eating Raw Refrigerated, Prepackaged Cookie Dough (CDC)
• Firm Press Release (with photos of recalled products)

Resources for Consumers

• Consumer Updates: FDA Warns Not to Eat Nestle Toll House Prepackaged, Refrigerated Cookie Dough
• Recalled Cookie Dough Products (Nestlé USA)
• Questions and Answers about the Nestlé Toll House Cookie Dough Recall
• Questions & Answers: E. coli (CDC)
• Eating Outdoors, Handling Food Safely

Resources for Industry

• Nestle USA, Inc., Danville, VA EIRs for inspections completed 3/12/2009, 11/02/2007, and 2/21/2007 (PDF - 1180KB)
• Nestle USA, Inc., Danville, VA EIRs for inspection completed 9/12/2006, 9/14/2005, and 7/14/2004 (PDF - 929KB)