By Pritzker Olsen
We are receiving hundreds of calls and emails from people concerned about E. coli O157:H7 exposure from Nestlé® TOLL HOUSE® refrigerated cookie dough products. Here are some important facts to keep in mind:
1) The symptoms of E. coli O157:H7 infections vary for each person but often include severe stomach cramps, diarrhea (often bloody), and vomiting. If there is fever, it usually is not very high (less than 101˚F/less than 38.5˚C).
2) These symptoms may represent a life threatening infection. If you have symptoms, especially bloody diarrhea, you should get immediate medical attention.
3) The only practical way to diagnose E. coli O157:H7 is by stool sample. Without a stool sample confirming the presence of E. coli O157:H7, it is difficult to prove you are part of this outbreak. Therefore, if you believe you have symptoms related to E. coli O157:H7, you need to receive medical attention and get a stool test.
4) You need to get a stool test as soon as possible after your symptoms commence. If you wait too long, the E. coli O157:H7 bacteria may be shed from your body and the test will be negative even though you had an E. coli O157:H7 infection. Also, if you are prescribed antibiotics, the medication may kill off the E. coli O157:H7 in which case your test will be negative.
5) This is important: Non-specific supportive therapy, including hydration, is important. Antibiotics should not be used to treat this infection. There is no evidence that treatment with antibiotics is helpful, and taking antibiotics may increase the risk of HUS. Antidiarrheal agents like Imodium® may also increase that risk. Thus, if you receive antibiotics, it may cause you harm and make it impossible to detect the E. coli O157:H7.
6) If you have remaining Nestlé® TOLL HOUSE® refrigerated cookie dough products that have been recalled in this outbreak, do not throw them out or return them to the grocery store. Here’s why: lab testing of the product may confirm the presence of E. coli O157:H7. Thus, if your stool is not tested or if the test is negative, it still may be possible to link your symptoms to the outbreak if the product tests positive for E. coli O157:H7. Therefore, seal the unused Nestlé® TOLL HOUSE® refrigerated cookie dough products in a plastic bag, mark the bag so it is not used or consumed accidentally, and continue to store it in your refrigerator until it is tested.
7) Call us right away if you have E. coli O157:H7 symptoms and you test positive for E. coli O157:H7 or if you have strong reason to believe a negative test does not rule out E. coli O157:H7 (i.e. you were put on antibiotics before stool testing was done)
PritzkerOlsen, P.A. is one of the most experienced and trusted food safety law firms in the United States and has represented foodborne illness survivors in virtually every major E. coli O157:H7 outbreak.
