Final answer:
The ingredient in raw oatmeal cookie dough most likely to cause illness is raw eggs, which can harbor Salmonella bacteria. The correct answer is O raw eggsraw eggsraw milk products.
Step-by-step explanation:
The ingredient most likely to cause illness in raw oatmeal cookie dough that has reached room temperature is raw eggs. Raw eggs can contain Salmonella, a type of bacteria that can cause food poisoning, especially when they are not cooked or are left out at room temperature.
Unlike raw oatmeal, sugar, or moistened oatmeal that has been stored properly, raw eggs present the highest risk due to the potential presence of harmful bacteria.
While raw eggs can offer nutritional benefits, it's essential to handle and store them properly to minimize the risk of foodborne illness.
In some cases, using pasteurized eggs or cooking eggs thoroughly is advised, especially for individuals who may be more susceptible to foodborne illnesses, such as young children, pregnant women, the elderly, or those with compromised immune systems.