Almost 30,000 batches of cookie dough have been recalled due to concerns over potential salmonella contamination, a common cause of food poisoning. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recently elevated the risk classification of these products to a Class II recall, indicating a significant level of concern.

The affected products that have now been classified as Class II risks include Costco Chocolate Chunk Frozen Cookie Dough, Member’s Mark Chocolate Chunk, Panera Chocolate Chipper Cookie, Rise Baking Jumbo Chocolate Chunk, and Mini Chocolate Chip Cookie. These items were previously not categorized under any risk classification by the FDA.

This recent development follows a series of salmonella-related recalls in the food industry. Last month, Aldi recalled cream cheese products, while Hy-Vee issued a recall for ice cream items in May, which was later classified as a Class I recall this month.

When a Class II recall is issued, it signifies that the use or exposure to a problematic product may result in temporary or medically reversible adverse health effects, with a low probability of serious consequences. In contrast, a Class I recall is declared when there is a high likelihood of severe health consequences or even death from product use or exposure. The least severe classification, Class III, is assigned when a product is unlikely to cause any adverse health effects if consumed or used.

The recalled cookie dough products are associated with specific lot codes and were distributed in 21 U.S. states, including California, Florida, New York, and Texas. Consumers are advised to check their purchases for the listed lot codes and to refrain from consuming the affected products.

Salmonella is a prevalent foodborne pathogen in the U.S., with over 1 million cases reported annually. Symptoms of salmonella infection typically include abdominal cramping, diarrhea, headaches, and fever, manifesting within a few hours to days after exposure.