3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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
8. 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.
11. 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!
12. 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.
14. 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!
