Here are some basic precautions that should prevent most E. coli infections:
- Cook all meat thoroughly
- Return undercooked meat at restaurants
- Keep your kitchen clean of harmful bacteria
- Drink only pasteurized milk, juice, or cider
- Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly
- Be aware of the water you drink
- Wash hands with soap for a minimum of 15 seconds
Food companies are supposed to implement protective measures to limit consumer exposure to E. coli;however, as we have seen with the several recent, well publicized, and sometimes fatal E. coli outbreaks, these protections are not enough. It is important that you understand how to protect yourself and your family from becoming a news story.
Cook Meat Thoroughly
One of the most common causes of E. coli O157:H7 infections is through consumption of poorly cooked ground beef. It is important to cook your meat, and especially ground beef, well to prevent E. coli infection. When cooking meat, use a digital instant-read meat thermometer, making sure that the inside is at least 160º Fahrenheit. If you do not have a thermometer, it is best if you cook hamburgers and other ground beef products until there is no pink showing on the inside.
If you are served an undercooked hamburger or ground beef product at a restaurant, send it back for a thorough cooking. Don’t hesitate to ask for a clean plate and new bun.
Prevent E. coli Infection in Your Kitchen
There are several simple things that can be done in the kitchen to prevent the spread of E. coli. You should always keep raw meats separate from ready-to-eat foods, fruits and vegetables, and other foods that will not be cooked before consumption. Cooked food should never be placed on an unwashed plate that held raw meat. Wash your hands, counters, and utensils with hot, soapy water after touching raw meat. After measuring the temperature of your meat to make sure it is thoroughly cooked, wash your meat thermometer before testing any other food products.
Drink Pasteurized Milk, Juice, or Cider
Commercial juice boxes and vacuum-sealed juice in glass containers have been pasteurized even though it may not say it on the label. Juice concentrates are heated enough to kill pathogens without further pasteurization. Y
Wash Fruits and Vegetables Before Eating
You should wash your fruits and vegetables thoroughly, especially if they will not be cooked before consumption. Children under the age of five, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems should not eat alfalfa sprouts because they have an especially high rate of food poisoning. Research is underway to develop methods to decontaminate alfalfa seeds and sprouts.
