Many people love to snack on raw cookie dough or bread dough while they bake, but did you know that raw dough can be harmful to your health? Eating raw dough can lead to serious health problems and even hospitalization.

1. Raw Dough Contains Raw Flour

Flour is a pantry staple used in cooking and baking, but when it’s raw, it can cause serious health problems. Raw flour is not treated to kill bacteria like E. coli, which can cause food poisoning.

Eating raw dough made with raw flour means you’re more susceptible to E. coli and other bacteria that can make you sick.

2. Raw Dough Contains Raw Eggs

Many recipes that call for raw dough use eggs as a main ingredient. Though eggs are packed with protein, raw eggs can also be a source of Salmonella. Ingesting Salmonella can cause food poisoning.

Cooking eggs at high enough temperatures kills the bacteria, but eating raw dough can put you at risk for food-borne illnesses like Salmonella.

3. Raw Dough Can Cause Stomach Aches

Eating raw dough can cause stomach aches too. Raw flour and eggs can cause stomach irritation, leading to abdominal pain and diarrhea. If you experience stomach discomfort, you should consult a doctor.

4. Raw Dough Can Be Dangerous for Pregnant Women

Pregnant women are at high risk of contracting food-borne illnesses like E. coli and Salmonella. Eating raw dough can be particularly dangerous for pregnant women and their fetuses. The bacteria transferred to the fetus can be fatal.

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5. Eating Raw Dough Can Lead to Hospitalization

Ingesting raw flour and eggs can cause illnesses like E. coli and Salmonella. In severe cases, these illnesses can lead to hospitalization. Common symptoms of food poisoning include vomiting, abdominal cramps, fever, and diarrhea.

If these symptoms last for several days, then you should seek medical attention immediately.

6. There are Alternative & Safe Options

If you love the taste of raw dough, but worry about the health risks, there are alternative options. For instance, you can bake a small piece of dough before eating it raw. This will reduce the risk of ingesting raw flour and eggs.

Or, you can use pasteurized eggs or heat-treated flour to make the dough. Also, many stores sell specially packaged safe-to-eat cookie dough.

7. Conclusion

Eating raw dough may seem like a fun and harmless habit, but it can actually be quite dangerous for your health. Raw dough can contain raw ingredients such as flour and eggs that can cause foodborne illnesses like E. coli and Salmonella.

Eating raw dough can also be painful and lead to hospitalization. When baking, ensure that you cook your dough to the right temperatures and follow good cooking hygiene practices.