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FDA Issues Cookie Dough Warning Over E. Coli Concerns

WASHINGTON (CBSNewYork/AP) -- In a warning that's sure to disappoint many who enjoy sneaking a taste of cookie dough, the federal Food and Drug Administration says people shouldn't eat raw dough or batter of any kind due to an ongoing outbreak of illnesses related to a strain of E. coli bacteria found in some batches of flour.

The FDA says some of those who got sick ate or handled raw dough that contained flour made at a General Mills plant in Kansas City, Missouri. General Mills has voluntarily recalled 10 million pounds of flour sold under the Gold Medal, Gold Medal Wondra and Signature Kitchen brands.

The agency also warns against using dough for play clay or homemade ornaments.

According to the agency, 38 people have reported illnesses across 20 different states, with reports of the related illnesses starting as early as December 2015 and continued to be reported until as late as May 3, 2016.

The CDC is advising restaurants not to give kids raw dough to play with while waiting for meals.

(TM and © Copyright 2016 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2016 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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