The Chippewa County Health Department has become aware that cookie dough sold as part of a fundraiser in Chippewa County during this school year contains raw eggs, a potential cause of food-borne illness, particularly salmonellosis.

Dr. James Terrian, health officer for Chippewa County, warns consumers to thoroughly cook the cookie dough purchased at the fundraiser, as well as all cookie dough containing raw eggs, before eating it.

Cookie dough should be baked thoroughly and should not be eaten raw in any form, such as by licking the spoon or bowl. Hands should be thoroughly washed after handling the dough in order to avoid cross-contamination.

Salmonellosis, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, is an infection with a bacteria called salmonella. Most persons infected with salmonella develop diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps 12 to 72 hours after infection. The illness usually lasts four to seven days, and most persons recover without treatment, however, in some persons the diarrhea may be so severe that the patient needs to be hospitalized. Infected patients should be treated with antibiotics. The elderly, infants, and those with impaired immune systems are more likely to have a severe illness.

For questions regarding minimum cooking temperatures for safe food, contact the Chippewa County Health Department, Division of Environmental Health, at (906) 635-3620.