Raw Cookie Dough: Don't Eat It

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — The FDA has some baking advice when it comes to cookies; wait until they're done.

Raw cookie dough can contain bacteria that causes diseases, including E. coli.

The reason, according to the FDA, is flour. It's usually not treated to kill bacteria.

The FDA and the Centers For Disease Control are investigating outbreaks tied to flour that made dozens of people sick. Some of the patients had eaten or handled raw dough made with General Mills flour that was produced in Kansas City, Missouri.

General Mills recalled 10 million pounds of flour sold under the Gold Medal and Signature Kitchens brands.

The FDA advises against eating any raw dough, including cake mix and batter.

Cooking kills bacteria.

The FDA also recommends keeping raw foods separate during preparation, because flour can spread easily.

Other safety tips include cleaning work surfaces and utensils thoroughly after they're used to make dough, along with frequent hand washing.