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A meme is going around asking if anyone has ever contracted salmonella from eating raw cookie dough.

As the holiday season approaches, the aroma of baking cookies fills the air in homes across the country. For many, the appeal of raw cookie dough is irresistible. Whether it’s taking a spoonful while baking holiday treats or enjoying store-bought edible cookie dough, the practice is widespread. But with joy comes a caution: Is it safe to indulge in raw cookie dough?

The temptation of raw cookie dough

During the holiday season, baking cookies becomes a much-loved family tradition. Raw cookie dough, with its sweet and delicious taste, often tempts us before the cookies even reach the oven. However, this indulgence is not without risks.

The danger of salmonella

The main concern with eating raw cookie dough is the risk of Salmonella infection. Salmonella bacteria can reside in two key ingredients in cookie dough: raw eggs and uncooked flour.

• Raw eggs: Traditionally, raw cookie dough contains uncooked eggs, which are known to potentially carry Salmonella. However, this risk can be mitigated with pasteurized eggs or by using egg-free recipes.
• Raw flour: Less known, flour can also be a source of salmonella. Flour used in baking is usually not treated to kill harmful bacteria, as the baking process is supposed to do that. However, when consumed raw, it can lead to infection.

The salmonella outbreak of 2023

In 2023, a significant outbreak was specifically linked to Papa Murphy’s raw cookie dough. The outbreak, investigated by the CDC, several state public health officials and the FDA, involved Salmonella Enteritidis. This resulted:

• 26 cases reported in 6 states.
• Diseases from February 24 to May 28, 2023.
• 4 hospitalizations but no deaths were reported.

This incident highlights the real, albeit rare, risk associated with eating raw, factory-made cookie dough. The actual number of people affected may have been higher due to underreporting, as many people recover from Salmonella without seeking medical attention.

Risk factors:

• Homemade or factory-made: The risk of getting sick from raw, homemade cookie dough is harder to quantify due to different household practices, but it is known that both homemade and commercial products can harbor salmonella. In percentage terms, there is no specific data comparing homemade versus factory-made dough during outbreaks, but the 2023 outbreak at Papa Murphy’s provides insight into the potential risks of commercially prepared dough.
• Prevalence of consumption: A significant portion of the population admits to eating raw cookie dough. Although exact figures on the percentage of people eating raw cookie dough are not readily available, anecdotal evidence and surveys suggest that it is a common practice, particularly around holiday parties. ‘year.

Safe Practices for Cookie Dough Lovers

• Edible cookie dough: Many brands now offer cookie dough specifically designed to be eaten raw, using heat-treated flour and pasteurized eggs, or no eggs at all.
• Heat treatment flour: If you’re making dough at home, you can heat treat your flour in the oven to kill potential bacteria before mixing it into the dough.
• Avoid raw eggs: Opt for recipes that don’t use raw eggs or that use pasteurized eggs.

Conclusion

While the joy of raw cookie dough is undeniable, especially during holiday baking, awareness of the potential health risks is crucial. The 2023 outbreak linked to Papa Murphy’s is a stark reminder that even commercially prepared dough can be dangerous if eaten raw. To enjoy the holidays safely, consider safer alternatives like pre-made edible cookie dough or take precautions with homemade batches.

Remember, the warmth of the holidays can be best savored by keeping both health and happiness in mind.

Salmonella cases in 2023-24

There have been several salmonella outbreaks in 2023 and 2024, including:

• Cucumbers As of December 17, 2024, 100 people in 23 states have been infected with Salmonella Typhimurium from cucumbers. The FDA is working with companies to determine whether more recalls are needed.
• Eggs As of September 6, 2024, 65 people in nine states have been infected with Salmonella from eggs. The FDA traced the outbreak to Milo’s Poultry Farms, which voluntarily recalled all of its eggs.
• Flour In April 2023, the FDA, CDC, and state and local partners investigated an outbreak of Salmonella Infantis from recalled flour in several states. The CDC announced the end of the epidemic on June 7, 2023.
• Ground beef In July 2023, 11 people in New Jersey were among those who became ill during a ground beef outbreak.
• Pet Bearded Dragons In June 2024, there was an outbreak of Salmonella infections in several states linked to pet bearded dragons.
• Backyard poultry In May 2024, the CDC is investigating a multistate salmonella outbreak linked to backyard poultry.

This article was written by humans with AI-assisted fact-checking and detailed facts..