Escherichia coli

Escherichia Coli

Beware of the Bug!

This bacteria can cause food poisoning

What you should know about E coli

You’ve probably heard of the food poisoning known as E.coli. Beyond the fact that it can make you really sick, all consumers should understand how this illness manifests, both to minimize your risk and spot the symptoms in the event of infection.

What is it?

Escherichia coli (E. coli) refers to a group of bacteria that have the potential to cause serious medical problems in humans. Many types of E.coli produce Shiga toxin, a substance that is extremely poisonous to humans. Shiga toxin-producing E.coli, or STEC for short, are often the culprit in mass outbreaks that can span several states and harm thousands of people. A recent ground beef recall by Fairbank Farms in New England illustrates the damage that these tiny bacteria can do.

What does it do?

E.coli 0157 is the most commonly identified STEC in North America, and the strain responsible for causing the most cases of severe and deadly illness. Generally, the non-0157 strains are far less likely to cause serious problems, although there are some types that can be fatal, as well. E.coli 0157 presents the threat of a potentially fatal syndrome known as hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a condition that can result in kidney failure, permanent injuries, and death.

Where it is found

Both 0157 and non-0157 stains of E.coli bacteria are carried and bred in the stomachs of cattle, goats, deer, sheep, elk, and other ruminant animals, and can be spread by other animals such as pigs and birds, too. E.coli is also found in produce, like spinach and unpasteurized fruit juices, as a result of manure from infected animals being used as fertilizer on farms.

What you need to watch for Symptoms of infection Stomach cramps, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting are some of the symptoms that can lead a physician to order blood and stool tests. Treatment is minimal and involves simple supportive therapy (hydration and electrolyte balance) as the bacteria must work their way through the body. In many cases of STEC poisoning, patients will fully recover with no long-term effects. For others, STEC infection can mean kidney failure and lifelong medical problems

What can you do to protect yourself?

Be sure to wash your hands consistently after using the restroom, touching public surfaces, and coming into contact with animals. Wash up before and after preparing food, as well. Cook meat products thoroughly to kill any bacteria present. Use a meat thermometer to ensure your food reaches recommended safe temperatures, especially in the middle. When ordering out, ask for your meat well done. Unpasteurized milks and juices can transmit E.coli and other bacteria, so purchase pasteurized products to reduce your risk. Wash all counter surfaces, cutting boards, and utensils before and after preparing food to avoid cross-contamination. Clean fruits and vegetables thoroughly before consumption using a safe produce wash and water.

Wash your hands!

Cook meat thoroughly!

Why you should worry

On August 11 2001 a two year old boy named Kevin Kowclcyk from Colorado died from hemolytic-uremic that developed due to eating a hamburger contaminated with this bacteria. This could happen to your kids!

Why is this happening?

Factory Farming and big slaughter houses are increasing the incidents of e. coli infection. The conditions in which the animals are kept, over crowded and standing in manure make it much more likely that the animals will be infected. They are also being fed corn which encourages the growth of the bacteria in their stomach. The slaughter houses are not being kept clean enough and the bacteria is getting in the meat. The workers are underpaid and overworked and there is not a sufficient inspection process to be sure the meat is safe.

This is what it looks like

What can we do to change this?

We can demand of our government that they encat laws to protect us. Write to your congressman. We can make better choices about what companies we support with our grocery pruchases. Buy your meat from a local family farmer and your procuce from companies that are certified organic. We the consumer determine how the big companies act with our choices when we spend our money. If we wont buy it, they won't make it!