The Escherichia coli bacteria, or E. coli, isn’t always harmful; some strains are beneficial and are already present in your intestines. These strains aid in digestion, and you want to keep them around. However, other strains can cause health issues like vomiting, cramps, and diarrhea.
While there are a few causes of E. coli infections, a common one is food—yes, the food you love may increase your risk of developing a bacterial infection. So, what are the common foods where E. coli outbreaks occur? We’ll take a look at this and more in the following paragraphs.
Foods That Can Increase Your Risk of an E. Coli Infection
A few things can increase your risk of an E. coli infection. You’re taught to wash your hands after using the restroom, which is a lesson that’s ingrained in almost everyone’s brain throughout their childhood.
You know germs can get on your hands, but did you realize some of the bacteria is E. coli? Forgetting to wash and then eating or drinking can result in an E. coli infection. Even changing a dirty diaper or cleaning out your feline’s litter box can leave your hands covered in germs.
Okay, you know skipping the hand-washing process is a big no-no, especially if you’re trying to limit your risk of exposure to harmful E. coli bacteria, but what about food? Yes, some foods contain harmful strains of the bacteria.
Sometimes, it only takes a tiny bite or sip of a beverage to get sick. So, what are some of these common foods and beverages?
Ground Beef
You’re probably already aware that raw chicken is teeming with bacteria. This is why you always wipe down all surfaces after handling uncooked chicken.
However, did you know that raw beef can also contain harmful E. coli strains? Remember, E. coli is present in the intestinal tracts of both humans and animals like cows. When the animals are slaughtered, the bacteria can spread to the meat.
You may be surprised to learn your ground beef probably isn’t coming from a single animal. Ground beef is especially susceptible to E. colisince it’s often comprised of meat from different cows.
Whenever you’re preparing ground beef for a meal, it’s a good idea to treat it like raw chicken. Wipe down all surfaces before moving on to prepping the next dish.
Fresh Produce
There’s often no better way to get your daily dose of some vitamins and minerals than sitting down to eat fresh fruits and vegetables.
Whether you’re shopping at the grocery store or a local farmer’s market, you also check for freshness and quality. While this is a start, simply grabbing the freshest-looking bunch of spinach isn’t enough to prevent E. coli contamination.
While all fresh produce can contain E. coli bacteria, leafy greens like lettuce and spinach are often the most susceptible to contamination.
Runoff from nearby cattle farms can seep into the fields, allowing E. coli bacteria to spread to the crops. Washing all produce before eating is an effective way of preventing exposure to harmful bacteria.
Unpasteurized Dairy Products
Louis Pasteur is credited with inventing the pasteurization process, which is still used today. Pasteurizing milk simply means removing any harmful bacteria like E. coli. While most states allow farmers to sell unpasteurized milkto consumers, as long as it’s in a farm-to-table setting, this doesn’t mean it’s a good idea to start guzzling the liquid.
A quick note: if you’re searching for unpasteurized milk in a grocery store or restaurant, you’re out of luck. Even though farmers can sell it directly to consumers, public businesses like restaurants can’t offer it for sale.
The reason the sale of unpasteurized dairy products is restricted is pretty simple. Bacteria like E. coli are still present in the liquid, and this significantly increases your chances of contracting an E. coli infection. You should also avoid products made from unpasteurized milk, like cheese and ice cream.
Non-Treated Water
The majority of adults know drinking pool water is never a good idea. Not only are you guzzling chlorine, but also bacteria like E. coli. Children peeing in pools is a part of life and this increases your chances of contracting a bacterial infection.
If you find a lake or a running creek, don’t drink the water. Don’t forget that wildlife frequently use the areas near bodies of water to perform “their business.” Feces and urine can run off into the water.
Unfortunately, well water can become a breeding ground for bacteria. Since the water isn’t treated, communities relying on well water can experience E. coli outbreaks. An effective way of helping to ensure your well water is safe to drink is to use a home UV filtration system.
Preventing E. Coli Infections From Foods
You don’t need to give up the foods you love, except for unpasteurized milk, to reduce your chances of an E. coli infection.
Simply cooking meats like ground beef to their recommended temperature effectively kills any E. coli bacteria. How long should you cook ground beef? The time it takes to brown varies, but it’s safe to eat once the meat reaches an internal temperature of 160 F. Just shove a meat thermometer into a hamburger patty to determine the temperature.
We already discussed washing all produce thoroughly. Use running water and make sure you get between the leaves. Don’t forget to rinse off any fruit and berries. If you’re not planning on eating the peels, like bananas, you can probably skip this step.
Don’t forget to wipe down all surfaces touched by raw meat and unwashed produce. E. coli bacteria transfer easily, even if you just set something down for a second. Always wash your hands when eating or drinking. Regular hand washing is an effective way of limiting your risk of exposure.
You Can Limit Your Exposure to E. Coli Bacteria
Washing produce and scrubbing down surfaces can be time-consuming, but it’s worth the extra effort when you avoid contracting an E. coli infection. However, sometimes, even taking preventative measures isn’t enough to keep you healthy.
If you suspect an E. coli infection, contact your healthcare provider immediately. Early intervention can prevent complications and ensure a faster recovery.
