Food Safety Hot Topics
Vigilance is key to preventing E. Coli
With tailgate parties in full swing, many Arkansas fans
are grilling hamburgers and steaks to root on their team. Although usually a
healthy form of celebrating, cookouts and barbecues can invite unwanted visitors
and leave some guests vulnerable to potentially deadly consequences.
E. coli, short for Escherichia coli, is bacteria which, for the most part,
is harmless and lives in the intestines of healthy people and animals. There
are some strains of the bacteria, though, that can cause serious illness, such
as diarrhea and vomiting.
"Young children, elderly adults and people with compromised immune systems
such as those with certain chronic or serious diseases are particularly vulnerable
to E. coli," explains Dr. Russ Kennedy, health and aging specialist with
the U of A Cooperative Extension Service. "Because E. coli can be eliminated
through proper cooking and cleaning methods, it's really important people be
vigilant when preparing foods that could carry the bacteria."
E. coli can be found in beef, such as hamburger and steaks, and in unpasteurized
milk. While items contaminated with E. coli may look and smell fresh, people
can ensure the bacteria are no longer a threat by thoroughly cooking meat. This
means meat should no longer be pink and should register at least 160 degrees
Fahrenheit on a food grade thermometer when inserted in the thickest part of
the meat for at least 15 seconds.
"Other ways E. coli can be transmitted is consuming raw sprouts and lettuce
that have not been washed, drinking unpasteurized milk or juice such as fresh
apple juice, or swimming in areas where the water may be contaminated by sewage,"
Dr. Kennedy says. "Always wash fruit and vegetables before they are served and
make sure milk and juice products are pasteurized before purchasing them."
When preparing foods, make certain all cooking and preparation surfaces such
as counters, dishes and utensils are clean before food is ready to be cooked
and served. Transfer meat from one dish to the cooking surface then use another
clean plate to transport the meat from the grill to the table. Wash hands often
and before eating, then clean up thoroughly after the meal has been served.
"If you notice any of your guests feeling ill -- stomach cramps,
diarrhea -- immediately take them to the hospital or a healthcare provider,"
Dr. Kennedy says. "Most people can recover from E. coli without antibiotics
or other treatment within a week or so. It's important, though, a physician
diagnose the problem. E. coli can cause a life-threatening condition called
hemolytic uremic syndrome, which is treated in intensive care and requires
blood transfusions and kidney dialysis. It's much better to prevent E. coli than
to treat it."
By: Kelli Reep
For the Cooperative Extension Service
Media Contact: Lamar James
Extension Communications Specialist
U of A Division of Agriculture
Cooperative Extension Service
(501) 671-2187 or (501) 753-0207
ljames@uaex.edu
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