Nestle USA announced June 20th 09 that it was recalling it's cookie dough products. Customers can returned the dough to the store for a full refund. Cookie dough The varieties of refrigerated cookie dough affected by the recall are:

• All varieties of refridgerated cookie bar dough
• refrigerated cookie dough tub
• refridgerated cookie dough tube
• refrigerated limited edition cookie dough items
• refridgerated seasonal cookie dough items
• refrigerated ultimate cookie bar dough

The recall does not affect already baked Toll House products purchase outside of the home, Toll House Ice Cream products containing cookie dough, Toll House Morsels, chocolate baking bars or cocoa. Customers with concerns can all Nestle Consumer Services at 1-800-559-5025.

The cookie dough recall was voluntary on behalf of Nestle. Connecticut state health officials are investigating a case of E. coli that could possibly be related. The E. coli strain has not actually been detected in the dough according to officials, although a number of people suffering from illness reported they ate the raw cookie dough product prior to getting sick. Federal Health Officials are also investigating these occurrences.

There have been 66 reports of illness in 28 states since March 2009. 25 people were hospitalized and 7 were reported as having hemolytic uremic syndrome. No deaths have been reported as of yet. Details are not yet available on the Connecticut case. The Connecticut Department of Health has asked that people refrain from eating the raw packaged Nestle Toll House Cookie Dough and to throw away any of the products that may be in their homes. They further advise against cooking the product as contamination, if any could spread to the hands or other cooking surfaces.

The suspected strain of E. coli that is linked to this particular recall can cause the following symptoms:

• abdominal cramping
• vomiting
• diarrhea
• bloody stools

The elderly and small children are most susceptible to contracting a complication called hemolytic uremic syndrome, which could lead to kidney damage or even death. Health Department Officials advise that anyone who has had any of these symptoms after eating the cookie dough products to contact a doctor or hospital immediately. Most adults can recover within a week. The illness if any should also be reported to your State's Health Department.