Preventing E. Coli
E. Coli Fact Sheet
(PDF 18 KB) E.
coli infections most commonly occur when a person ingests food or water
that is contaminated with the E. coli O157:H7 bacteria.
Infected people will pass this
bacteria in their stool. Thus, infected
people can spread the illness by contaminating food or other objects
when they do not wash their hands thoroughly after using the restroom.
Thoroughly cook raw meats, especially ground beef.
Wash hands thoroughly after handling or preparing raw meats. In
addition, clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that have come into
contact with raw meats or their juices.
Since produce has been a source of infection, always thoroughly wash
fruits and vegetables before eating or preparing them.
Ensure that persons preparing food wash their hands carefully and
thoroughly before handling any food. This is especially important
after using the toilet, caring for persons with diarrhea, or cleaning up
after pets.
Avoid consuming unpasteurized dairy product or fruit
juices/ciders.
|
Prevention Recommendations
- Meats and poultry should be cooked
thoroughly.
- Wash utensils and work surfaces after
contact with raw meat.
- Wash hands thoroughly after changing a child's diapers, after using the toilet, and before preparing
food.
- Persons with diarrhea should not prepare food for others.
- Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly.
- Avoid unpasteurized or "raw" fruit and vegetable juices,
and unpasteurized milk or milk products.
- Heat raw cider to 155ºF before drinking.
|
