Nestlé USA’s Baking Division was informed today by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) that it has found and confirmed evidence of E. coli 0157:H7 in a retained production sample of 16 oz. Nestlé Toll House refrigerated chocolate chip cookie dough bar. The product has a day code of 9041 and a “Best before 10 JUN 2009” notation.

Nestlé continues to work closely and in full cooperation with the FDA on the ongoing investigation.  We are very concerned about those who have become ill from E. coli 0157:H7, and deeply regret that this has occurred.

Nestlé was first made aware of the FDA and Centers for Disease Control (CDC) investigation late Wednesday, June 17.  Less than 24 hours later, we made the decision to voluntarily withdraw all of our retail Nestlé Toll House refrigerated cookie dough from the marketplace.  We announced the voluntary recall on Friday morning, June 19.

The recall does not include other Nestlé Toll House products, including already baked Toll House cookies purchased outside the home, all varieties of Nestlé Toll House morsels, chocolate baking bars, or cocoa, and Dreyer’s and Edy’s ice cream products with Nestlé Toll House cookie dough ingredients. 

The recall also does not include any Nestlé Professional™ cookie dough products destined for foodservice use, including frozen Nestlé Toll House cookie dough and cookie dough “mix-ins” purchased outside the home.

Consumers who have purchased the recalled products are advised by Nestlé not to consume them.  We also strongly advise consumers that cookie dough should not be eaten raw.  Nestlé asks consumers to return these products to their local grocer for a full refund.  Consumers with questions should contact Nestlé USA Consumer Services at 1-800-559-5025 and/or visit our web site at www.verybestbaking.com .