Can raw sugar cookie dough make you sick?

Consuming raw sugar cookie dough can pose several risks to your health. Here are a few reasons why it's not recommended to eat raw cookie dough:

1. Raw Eggs: Traditional sugar cookie dough recipes often include raw eggs as a key ingredient. Consuming raw eggs carries a risk of salmonella food poisoning. Salmonella bacteria can cause symptoms like fever, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and vomiting.

2. Uncooked Flour: Raw flour, whether it's all-purpose flour, wheat flour, or any other grain flour, can harbor harmful bacteria like E. coli. Eating raw flour can lead to foodborne illnesses such as stomach cramps, diarrhea, and fever.

3. High Sugar Content: Sugar cookie dough is typically high in sugar, which can pose risks for individuals with diabetes, obesity, or insulin resistance. Consuming large amounts of sugar can cause spikes in blood sugar levels and contribute to weight gain.

4. Cross-Contamination: If you use utensils, bowls, or surfaces that have been in contact with raw cookie dough and then use them for other foods, you risk cross-contaminating those foods with harmful bacteria.

5. Nutritional Imbalance: Eating raw cookie dough as a meal or snack doesn't provide a balanced nutritional profile. It's high in sugar and fat and lacks essential nutrients such as protein, vitamins, and minerals.

To ensure food safety, it's best to bake cookie dough thoroughly according to the recipe's instructions before consuming it. This will eliminate the risk of foodborne illnesses and provide a safe and enjoyable treat.