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Is it safe? · Pregnancy Smart

Is raw cookie dough safe during pregnancy?

Assigned clinical reviewerMichael Yuzefovich· MD, FACOGDraft · pending clinical reviewUpdated

What does the evidence say about raw cookie dough during pregnancy?

  1. The FDA advises avoiding raw dough, batter, and other foods that may contain raw eggs, including raw cookie dough, during pregnancy. 1
  2. Raw flour has been linked to E. coli outbreaks, so it shouldn't be eaten in raw batters or dough, even when the eggs used are pasteurized. 2
  3. Salmonella illness during pregnancy can cause severe dehydration and, rarely, a bloodstream infection, which is why cooking eggs and flour-containing foods fully matters. 3
  4. The CDC's food-safety guidance for pregnant people lists raw and undercooked eggs and dough among the items to avoid. 4

Is raw cookie dough safe in each trimester?

  • First trimester. This guidance doesn't change in the first trimester. Skip raw egg and raw flour just like you would later on.
  • Second trimester. Nothing changes in the second trimester either. Keep avoiding raw egg and raw flour.
  • Third trimester. The same guidance applies in the third trimester. Getting sick from Salmonella or Listeria late in pregnancy can trigger preterm labor, which is one more reason to skip raw dough now.

Frequently asked questions

What about 'edible' cookie dough sold in stores?

Commercial 'edible' cookie dough sold for spoon-eating is typically made with flour that's been safely heated and pasteurized eggs, so it's a labeled safe swap. Homemade dough meant for baking is not the same product.

Can I lick the spoon after baking a batch?

The safest choice is no. Raw dough on the spoon or bowl carries the same egg and flour risks as any raw batter. Once the cookies are fully baked, the concern goes away.

What about ice cream that contains cookie-dough chunks?

Reputable commercial ice cream brands typically use dough that's been safely heated and pasteurized eggs in the mix-ins. Small, local scoop shops may vary, so ask if you're unsure.

I had a spoonful by accident. What now?

One taste rarely causes illness. Watch for stomach symptoms, fever, or headache over the next few days, and call your provider if any of those show up.

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References

  1. Dairy and Eggs: Food Safety for Moms-to-Be, FDA

    FDA · https://www.fda.gov/food/people-risk-foodborne-illness/dairy-and-eggs-food-safety-moms-be

  2. Handling Flour Safely: What You Need to Know (FDA)

    FDA · https://www.fda.gov/food/buy-store-serve-safe-food/handling-flour-safely-what-you-need-know

  3. Salmonella and Pregnancy: MotherToBaby Fact Sheet

    MotherToBaby · https://mothertobaby.org/fact-sheets/salmonella-pregnancy/

  4. Safer Food Choices for Pregnant Women: CDC Food Safety

    CDC · https://www.cdc.gov/food-safety/foods/pregnant-women.html

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.