Experts are warning those celebrating the holidays this season not to taste raw cookie dough because of the very serious risk of contracting E. Coli. E. Coli or Escherichia coli are bacteria found in the world around us, the intestines of people and in other animals.

There are many diverse strains of the bacteria, though a few can make a person ill. The more dangerous strains can cause severe abdominal cramps, bloody diarrhea and vomiting, and others cause urinary tract infections, respiratory illness and pneumonia, as well as other illnesses and problems.

The most common way to acquire these dangerous forms of E. Coli is through contaminated food. Ground beef, which contains the meat of several different kinds of cattle can contain the harmful bacteria if the cattle are slaughtered and processed, in poorly maintained facilities. Unpasteurized milk can also be a source of infection if the bacteria is on a cow’s udder or on milking equipment and mixes into raw milk.

Even fresh produce can be risky. If farmers are not careful, runoff from the cattle
facilities can get into the crops. In addition, certain common vegetables are susceptible to the bacteria, such as spinach and lettuce. Contaminated water can also be a source of the harmful bacteria. Ground water from private wells are particularly dangerous as those who own the wells, do not always have a filtration system.

Streams, rivers, lakes and water used to irrigate crops can become polluted and even
public water can be contaminated even after measures are taken to clean it. While E. Coli might not affect everyone, there are certain conditions which make certain people more vulnerable.

Drop that spoon! Cookie dough seems relatively innocuous, but could easily get you sick this holiday season.

Young children and older adults, because of their immune systems, as well as those with weakened immune systems are particularly vulnerable. Decreased stomach acid levels can allow E. Coli to thrive and certain medications such as esomeprazole (Nexium), pantoprazole (Protonix), lansoprazole (Prevacid) and omeprazole (Prilosec) can actually increase your likelihood of getting it.

Raw flour and uncooked eggs can carry the bacteria as well as another illness, salmonella. Eggs used in making cookie dough and batter, also contain salmonella. Experts are making a greater effort to send out warnings this time a year, because more baked goods than ever are being produced in kitchens all over the country. It is not uncommon for people, particularly children to want to taste or sneak out samples of these baked goodies.

Yet, as wonder as these can taste, they put people at serious risk for illness. It is important for those working in the kitchen to thoroughly was their hands, wash their utensils and keep raw food separate. An important way to remain protected from E. Coli and other illnesses is to remain informed. Watching or reading the news regularly will help alert those working in and around the kitchen of any foods which have been recalled due to infection.

In addition, the Center for Disease Control has a list of food handling practices as well as other information on protecting one’s self from these infections. In 2016 outbreak left 63 people sick and was linked to bad flour. More recently, E. Coli has led to the recall of lettuce and spinach from various restaurants and supermarkets.

If you want more information on digestive issues or how to navigate diet and nutrition for your personal situation, please be sure to check out my page.