Recalled Nestle products leave 66 sick

ST. PAUL, Minn., June 20 (UPI) -- At least 66 people throughout the United States have fallen ill as a result of a cookie dough product recalled by Nestle, federal officials say.

The St. Paul (Minn.) Pioneer Press reported Saturday that federal health officials are investigating the spate of illnesses blamed on a packed cookie dough product released under Nestle's Toll House brand.

An E. coli strain was found in the raw dough, leading to a voluntary recall by the food company.

With Minnesotans representing six of the 66 E. coli victims, Carlota Medus of the Minnesota Department of Health issued a warning regarding the consumption of any raw cookie dough.

"Cookie dough, whether purchased in a tub from the store or made at home from scratch, should not be eaten raw," the food-borne illness epidemiologist said.

The Pioneer Press said nearly 25 of the stricken people from 29 U.S. states were hospitalized as a result of their illnesses. No deaths have been reported.