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Don't Eat Even One Bite Of Raw Cookie Dough, Dietitian Warns

DETROIT (WWJ) - Baking those yummy treats can be fun over the holidays, but it's important to remember a few things to keep everyone happy and healthy.

Rule number one: Before you measure out that first cup of flour or teaspoon of vanilla, make sure you're starting with clean hands and clean work surfaces — particularly the counter tops, says Beaumont Hospital registered dietitian Barbara Main.

And while you may be tempted to take a taste of that deliciously gooey raw cookie dough — don't.

"We know that raw cookie dough generally contains raw eggs, and that is something we certainly wouldn't sit down and eat," Main told WWJ Health Reporter Dr. Deanna Lites.  "But we don't often think about it once we put it in a batter, such as a cake batter or cookie dough."

"One of the risks that came up most recently in the media is a story published last Friday talking about eating raw cookie dough," Main said, referring to a story about a Nevada woman who was allegedly poisoned by uncooked cookie dough.

The Daily News reported that Ricky Simpson, whose mother died after a horrific battle with E.coli after eating "a couple bites" of cookie dough, is pushing for tighter federal safety regulations.

"We really discourage people from even that one little taste of cookie dough," Main said.

Something else to keep in mind: Keep your utensils separate. You don't want the spoon that touched raw foods mixing with cooked ingredients, Main said.

Main said you should always double-check to make sure all of your ingredients are fresh. If you haven't used an item since last holiday season, look for a"use by" date.

"Those expiration dates are there for a reason — primarily to keep us safe," Main said. "Some are there for best quality; others are there for safety."

[Get more food safety tips and information at this link].

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