Why today they say eating raw cookie dough or brownie mix you'll get sick, but back then that didn't happen?

Question

Back in my day people didn't get sick over eating cookie dough?

Answer 1

I always eat raw cookie dough. I honestly don't think it will do anything to you. Just don't eat a whole lot.

Answer 2

Cooking Engineer got it mostly right. They warn you about eating the dough raw because of the raw eggs. Salmonella you know. The part I disagree with because I know, is that most egg are pasteurized. It may be true in commercial bakeries but the ordinary eggs you buy at the supermarket can still be contaminated.
The risks are the same as they were in the old days but today people are more sensitive to risk and probably more likely to sue if they get sick.
My old Microbiology professor used to call Salmonella a two bucket disease. Believe me if you ever get it you'll wish you had never eaten raw eggs. It wont' kill you but you'll wish you were dead.
PhD Food Chemistry and Nutrition.

Answer 3

It's only in recent times that people have become aware of certain bacteria being in certain places. And the risk, in fact, was always there even back when Grandma was a kid(although the risk was and still is very small). If you get the craving for some raw cookie dough or brownie or cake batter, make it using Egg Beaters or a similar egg product. These are typically pasteurized(but check labels) to kill bacteria, thereby eliminating the risk.

Answer 4

Probably because of the raw eggs. Raw eggs have always been there, but we seem to be much more aware today of the dangers of raw eggs than we use to be be. But, most eggs are pasturized, so I wouldn't be too worried. Plus, a lot of ready made cookie dough and brownie mixes are made with egg substitutes which means there is no harm.

Answer 5

My hubby and I have had this conversation before wondering the same thing. We think it's media and general paranoia. I remember in the 80's when they said bacon caused cancer. Our science teacher dispelled that saying "You know why? Because they shave lab rats and slather them in bacon grease 3-6 times a day, of course they got cancer!" I ate cookie dough as a kid, I still eat it to this day, and I have never gotten sick.

The other thing we blame for this outbreak of food sensitivity is strange diets that kids get put on now, and all the antiseptic anti-bacterial products out now. That actually suppresses the immune system from actually having to fight off bacteria and germs. My great aunts and grandmas washed things with plain soap, not Dawn Anti-Bacterial, and didn't have disinfectant wipes for shopping cart handles. I think that's why food sensitivity has sky-rocketed.

Sorry, that's just my opinion and my rant.

Answer 6

i love to eat raw cookie dough and never cook it.
The only thing it will add extra pounds on the waist