What is Escherichia coli or E. coli?: According to the CDC, E. coli is a bacteria common to both animals and people. One of the most dangerous strains for people is called 0157:H7 because of the potent toxin it produces.
How Does E. coli Get into Our Food?:
- E. coli bacteria can be on the hands of those who do not follow proper handwashing procedures.
- E. coli can be in water that is contaminated with untreated sewage from people or animals, so it can get into swimming pools, drinking water and irrigation water.
- Fruits and vegetables that are irrigated with contaminated water and eaten raw is one way E. coli can be ingested by people.
- E. coli can also be found in raw milk from cows or other milk-producing animals who carry the bacteria on unclean udders. Most milk sold in stores is pasteurized killing E. coli and other organisms.
- Finally, E. coli can be in fresh meat.
Who Gets E. coli Infections?: Anyone can be infected by E. coli, but those most affected tend to be very young people and the elderly as well as those who are immuno-compromised.
What Are the Symptoms of E. coli Infection?:
- Bloody diarrhea is one of the most alarming symptoms of an E. coli infection.
- Other symptoms include stomach pain.
- Fever may or may not be present.
How Can E. coli Infections Be Treated?: Most people infected with E. coli get better within one week without any treatment other than keeping hydrated and rested. If there are complications, hospitalization will be required.
The CDC warns against taking antibiotics or over the counter diarrhea medicine, such as Immodium TM, unless advised to do so by a doctor.
Why is E. coli a Serious Illness in Some People?: E. coli can cause kidney failure in some people from what is called hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUM). HUM occurs mostly in young children and adults and can lead to death. If E. coli affects the kidneys it can also cause high blood pressure, blindness and paralysis.
Follow these Rules to Avoid E. coli Infection from Possibly Contaminated Foods:
- DO cook meat thoroughly and DO NOT leave any pink parts.
- DO rinse fresh vegetables and cook them for 1 minute.
- DO wash fresh fruit well, soak in a disinfectant approved for food and peel fresh fruit.
- DO NOT cross contaminate foods by placing cooked foods on same dishes used for raw foods.
- DO use a properly calibrated food thermometer and cook meats to at least 160 degrees Fahrenheit as measured in the deepest part of the cut of meat.
- DO drink water from a safe source like your city water supply, bottled water or properly disinfected water.
- DO drink pasteurized milk.
- DO NOT drink water from rivers, lakes or pools.
What Can Be Done to Prevent E. coli in Our Food?: The Food and Drug Administration, the FDA, is responsible for food safety in the United States. Aware that E. coli is a more frequent problem than in the past, the FDA is working to step up food safety.
See my earlier blog on grass fed beef versus grain fed beef and irradiation in relation to E. coli contamination. You will see that the cattle industry not only influences the safety of the beef we eat, but also the fruit and vegetables that we buy. Also mentioned is the irradiation of foods, a safe, but controversial method for killing food borne organisms.
Sources:
- Food and Drug AdministrationFDA Investigated E. coli 0157 Cases Associated with Taco Bell Restaurants
- Centers for Disease Control. Division of Bacterial and Mycotic Diseases. Escherichia coli 0157:H7. Updated Dec. 6, 2006.
