E. coli is a group of bacteria that are already present in your body. The serotype of E. coli often responsible for food poisoning is the E. coli O157:H7 type, although other types of E. coli can also cause food poisoning. The dangerous forms of E. coli come from the guts of animals such as cows, sheep and goats. Certain foods may be more likely to harbor E. coli 0157:H7.
Infection and Symptoms
Infection from E. coli may occur after you ingest a food contaminated with the feces of either animals or humans that has the bacteria present. The CDC estimates that over 70,000 people are infected with E. coli 0157 every year. Symptoms generally begin between 1 and 10 days after you eat a contaminated food. You may experience cramping, bloody diarrhea, nausea and vomiting. Always consult your doctor if you experience these symptoms.
Beef
In 1982, an outbreak of food poisoning from E. coli-contaminated restaurant hamburgers helped identify the dangerous E. coli 0157:H7 strain. According to an article published in April 2005 in "Emerging Infectious Diseases," ground beef is the food most responsible for E. coli outbreaks. Outbreaks from restaurants are less common than ground beef contamination at picnics or at home. In addition to ground beef, roast beef, steak and salami have also been linked to E. coli food poisoning. When eating out, request that your beef entree well-done, and do not eat ground beef that is pink. At home, cook beef thoroughly and avoid cross-contamination by washing your hands and disinfecting counter tops and utensils.
Produce
Although not a byproduct of a cow or sheep, produce can be contaminated with E. coli if the produce is exposed to contaminated water from irrigation, flooding, fertilizer containing contaminated manure and employees who work with the produce. Spinach, lettuce, sprouts and coleslaw have all been identified as sources of E. coli outbreaks, according to the Washington State Department of Health. All produce has the potential for contamination with the bacteria. When eating raw produce, wash all parts of the fruit or vegetable under running water. Break apart leafy greens to wash the crevices and folds of the plant.
Unpasteurized Juice and Milk Products
Unpasteurized juice and milk are sources of E. coli 0157:H7 food poisoning. Pasteurization heats the milk and juice to a temperature high enough to kill the bacteria. If you consume an unpasteurized fruit juice in which the fruit is contaminated with E. coli from processing or from being on the ground near animal feces, you can become sick. Read the label on fruit juices and milk to ensure the contents are pasteurized. Unpasteurized milk, cheese and butter may be contaminated with the bacteria as cows and goats are often carriers of E. coli.
Water
Although more rare, drinking water can be contaminated with E. coli bacteria. If you live in an area serviced by a well, there is a potential for E. coli contamination, as evidenced by a 1999 E. coli outbreak in New York from contaminated drinking water, according to the EPA. Have your well tested periodically, and avoid drinking water from lakes or rivers without first disinfecting the water.
References
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Escherichia coli 0157:H7
- KidsHealth: E. Coli
- "Emerging Infectious Diseases": Epidemiology of Escherichia coli 0157:H7 Outbreaks, United States, 1982 -- 2002; Josefa M. Rangel, et al.; April 2005
- Washington State Department of Health: "epiTRENDS": E. coli 0157:H7 Outbreaks From Produce; tober 2006
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration: Foodborne Illness-Causing Organisms in the U.S. -- What You Need to Know; October 2008
- United States Environmental Protection Agency: Basic Information About E. coli 0157:H7 in Drinking Water
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