FDA Expands Recall of Frozen Cookie Dough Due to Salmonella Contamination

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has expanded a recall of frozen cookie dough products that may be contaminated with salmonella, the organization announced on June 6.

Recalled Products

The recalled products include:

• Costco Chocolate Chunk Frozen Cookie Dough

• Member's Mark Chocolate Chunk (sold exclusively at Sam's Club)

• Panera Chocolate Chipper Cookie

• Rise Baking Jumbo Chocolate Chunk

• Mini Chocolate Chip Cookie

• Panera Oatmeal Raisin with Berries Cookie

• Panera Kitchen Sink Cookie

• Rise Baking Company Cowboy Cookie

Scope of the Recall

The FDA is recalling a total of 29,019 cases of potentially contaminated products. These products were distributed across multiple states, including:

• California

• Ohio

• Pennsylvania

• Oregon

• Florida

• Illinois

• North Carolina

• Massachusetts

• Wisconsin

• Colorado

• Louisiana

• Texas

• Missouri

• Minnesota

• Oklahoma

• New York

• Michigan

• Indiana

• Maryland

• New Jersey

• Georgia

Initial and Expanded Recall

The recall was first announced on May 2 but was further expanded in June. The FDA has classified it as a "Class II recall." According to the FDA, a Class II recall is issued when there is "a situation in which use of, or exposure to, a violative product may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences or where the probability of serious adverse health consequences is remote."

Reasons for the Recall

The recall was expanded after further investigations indicated that additional batches and brands of cookie dough might be contaminated with salmonella. The contamination was identified during routine testing, and subsequent tests confirmed the presence of the bacteria.

Consumer Guidance

The FDA advises consumers who have purchased any of the recalled products to:

• Dispose of the products immediately: Do not consume them.

• Return products to the store: You may be eligible for a refund or replacement.

• Check your pantry: Ensure that no recalled products remain.

Symptoms and Risks of Salmonella

Salmonella is a bacterium that typically lives in the intestines of animals and humans and is shed through feces. Infection with salmonella, known as salmonellosis, occurs when a person consumes food or water contaminated with the bacteria.

Symptoms of Salmonellosis:

• Diarrhea

• Fever

• Abdominal cramps

• Nausea

• Vomiting

Risk Groups:

• Healthy Adults: Most recover without specific treatment within a few days to a week.

• At-Risk Populations: Young children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems are at higher risk for severe illness. Complications can include severe dehydration and the spread of the infection beyond the intestines, which may require hospitalization.

Preventive Measures

To prevent salmonellosis:

• Practice good hygiene: Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water before handling food.

• Cook food thoroughly: Ensure meats and eggs are cooked to safe internal temperatures.

• Avoid cross-contamination: Use separate cutting boards and utensils for raw meats and other foods.

Company Response

Fox Business reached out to Rise Baking Company, LLC, the manufacturer involved in the recall, for additional comments on the expanded recall and the steps they are taking to address the issue. The company has not yet provided a detailed response.

Industry Impact

The recall has significant implications for retailers and consumers. Retailers like Costco and Sam's Club are working to remove the affected products from their shelves and notify customers who may have purchased the items.

Regulatory and Future Steps

The FDA continues to monitor the situation closely and is working with the manufacturers and distributors to ensure that all potentially contaminated products are removed from the market. Further inspections and testing will likely follow to prevent future contamination incidents.

Additional Resources

For more information on the recall, including a detailed list of affected products and states, consumers can visit the FDA's website. Additionally, those experiencing symptoms of salmonellosis should contact a healthcare provider.