The FDA announces that a strain of E. coli bacteria exists at a Nestle plant in Danville, Virginia. The E. coli bacteria were found in a package of Toll House raw chocolate chip cookie dough.

Authorities have been investigating the recent outbreak of bacteria-triggered illness. Researchers are still conducting tests to determine if the E. coli found at the Nestle plant caused the outbreak.

So far, over 69 people from different states have been affected by E. coli. Most victims have eaten raw chocolate chip dough manufactured by the Nestle plant. The CDC confirms that infected patients carry the E. coli 0157:H7 strain.

E. coli is a bacteria commonly found in food like beef and vegetables. E. coli or Escherichia coli is not normally harmful. Symptoms of the dangerous strains or types of E. coli are diarrhea, vomiting, and stomach cramps.

The Nestle plant that produced infected chocolate chip dough has already been shut down last June 18. CNN reports that “tainted product was in a 16.5-ounce package that had a day code of 9041 and a ‘best before 10 JUN 2009′ on the package.”

(Visit this link for a complete list of recalled Nestle products.)