Is cookie dough left out for a week safe to be eaten?

Here's why:

* Bacteria Growth: Cookie dough is an ideal breeding ground for bacteria, especially when left at room temperature. This includes harmful bacteria like Salmonella and E. coli, which can cause food poisoning.

* Spoilage: The fats and sugars in cookie dough will start to spoil after a few days, resulting in an unpleasant taste and texture.

* Mold: Mold can also grow on cookie dough left out for extended periods, which can be dangerous to consume.

Even if the cookie dough looks and smells fine, it's best to err on the side of caution and discard it.

To prevent foodborne illness:

* Store cookie dough in the refrigerator: This will slow down the growth of bacteria and help keep the dough fresh.

* Use fresh ingredients: Ensure all ingredients are fresh and not expired.

* Wash hands thoroughly: Wash your hands before and after handling cookie dough.

* Cook dough thoroughly: Bake cookies according to recipe instructions to ensure they are cooked through.

It's important to remember that eating raw cookie dough can also carry risks, even if it's freshly made. This is due to the presence of raw eggs, which can contain Salmonella.