The outbreak of infections has been linked to Papa Murphy’s cookie dough

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are investigating an outbreak of salmonella infections across six states that have been linked to Papa Murphy’s cookie dough. 

Papa Murphy’s is a takeout pizza restaurant chain headquartered in Vancouver, with over 1,200 stores across the United States, including several around Clark County.

The CDC reported on Tuesday (May 23) that it is investigating reports of 18 salmonella infections across the states of California, Idaho, Missouri, Oregon, Utah, and Washington. According to the CDC, two people have been hospitalized. Six of the infections were reported in Washington state, four were reported in Oregon and another four were reported in Idaho. Two were reported in Utah and one case each was reported in California and Missouri.

No deaths have been reported so far, officials said.

Illnesses were reported from Feb. 27 to May 2, the CDC report indicated, adding that the patients’ ages ranged from 14 to 68 years, with a median age of 47.

Papa Murphy’s officials issued a statement about the report.

“The safety of our guests is of utmost importance at Papa Murphy’s Take ‘N’ Bake Pizza, so we are alerting consumers to an ongoing investigation with federal health authorities and certain state and local Health Departments regarding salmonella cases linked to consumption of raw cookie dough.

“Upon learning of this investigation, Papa Murphy’s took immediate action, including voluntarily issuing a Stop Sell order of its take-and-bake Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough and S’mores Bars (which contains a portion of the same take-and-bake cookie dough). These two products were promptly removed from stores. We did this proactively out of an abundance of caution and concern for the safety of our guests.

“We are continuing to work with health authorities, as well as relevant ingredient vendors, to support the investigation.

“If you purchased and still have take-and-bake Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough and/or S’mores Bars, please do not consume the product. Discard immediately. Please contact us at papamurphys.com if you have further questions.

“Reminder: As directed on the take-and-bake product packaging and baking instructions, Papa Murphy’s Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough and S’mores Bars are not suitable for raw consumption and should be baked using the baking instructions prior to eating.

“You may review the CDC posting here and the FDA posting here.’’