In May, the FDA recalled nearly 30,000 batches of cookie dough over fears of potential Salmonella contamination, a common cause of foodborne illnesses. The FDA has now elevated the classification of the recall to Class II, the second-most serious form of recall.
The affected products now classified as Class II risk include:
- Costco Chocolate Chunk Cookie Dough
- Member’s Mark Chocolate Chips
- Panera Chocolate Chipper Cookie
- Rise Baking Jumbo Chocolate Chunk
- Mini Chocolate Chip Cookie
This recent recall is not the first related to Salmonella. Aldi previously recalled cream cheese products, and Hy-Vee recalled ice cream, both elevated to Class I recalls.
Class II recalls are issued when potential health effects from the product exposure are temporary or medically reversible, with a low likelihood of adverse health outcomes.
FDA classifies consumer risk into three categories. Class I recalls indicate a high risk of serious health problems or death, while Class III recalls are less serious.
The affected products have specific lot codes and were distributed in 21 states, including California, Texas, and New York.
An estimated 1 million Americans contract Salmonella annually, with symptoms like diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps appearing within hours to days after exposure. While most cases are mild and resolve within days, severe outcomes can occur in vulnerable populations.
Individuals under 12, over 65, and those with weakened immune systems face a higher risk of severe Salmonella complications, which can lead to hospitalization in rare instances.