With news of new food recalls due to E. coli contamination, many people are wondering what they can do to keep themselves safe.
Meat packaging companies this week recalled more than 167,000 pounds of ground beef over concerns it may be contaminated with bacteria.
At least 19 people in Minnesota have become ill after eating beef shipped to restaurants, according to federal health officials. The Associated Press reported that an investigation is ongoing.
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The ground meat recall followed a large-scale recall of organic carrots, which were also contaminated with E. coli. The outbreak has reportedly sickened people in at least 18 states and resulted in at least one death.
Escherichia coli (the more common name for Escherichia coli) is types of bacteria It is present in the environment, food, and intestines of humans and animals, according to the CDC website.
E. coli is a bacterium that occurs naturally in the environment, but some types can cause serious illness in humans. (Smith Collection/Gado/Getty Images)
people can be infected with E. coli It is caused by a myriad of causes, including contaminated water, food, and contact with animals.
Mitzi D. Baum, CEO of Stop Foodborne Illness in Chicago, said eating meat that hasn't been cooked enough to kill E. coli can cause infections.
“Other known sources of infection include consumption of sprouts, lettuce, salami, unpasteurized milk (and dairy products), unpasteurized juices, swimming and drinking alcohol. water contaminated with sewage” she told FOX News Digital.
How to stay safe
So how can people stay safe, and when should they go to the doctor if they suspect they are sick?
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Mena Milhom, MD, FAPA, assistant professor at Columbia University Medical Center in New York, told Fox News Digital that concerned consumers need to practice the “4 Cs” approach when it comes to food safety.
According to him, these four C's are “clean,” “cut,” “cook,” and “cool.”
People should “wash their food and hands thoroughly, especially now.”
“Especially now, you should wash your food and hands thoroughly,” he said.
Additionally, you should “separate raw chicken, beef, and seafood,” including using separate cutting boards when preparing food to prevent contamination.
Cooking food “thoroughly” inhibits bacterial growth, as does immediately refrigerating food, he said.
One doctor says that thoroughly cooking food can reduce the growth of harmful bacteria such as E. coli. (St. Petersburg)
Leaving food at room temperature creates an environment where bacteria such as E. coli can easily grow.
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Anyone can become infected with E. coli, but certain groups, such as children under 5, adults over 65, and people with weakened immune systems, are at greater risk of serious complications, including death. will be higher.
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The CDC website states that some types of E. coli can cause diarrhea. Diarrhea can be dangerous, especially for young children.
To decide whether to undergo treatment, Milhom turned to a memory device known as “BATHS.”
If symptoms persist for more than three or four days or if you are dehydrated, you should seek medical attention, a doctor told FOX News Digital. (St. Petersburg)
According to Milhom, B is for “bloody diarrhea,” “A” is for “persistent abdominal pain,” “T” is for “temperature” (meaning a fever of 101 degrees or higher), and H is for “hydration problems.” , “Shows symptoms of dehydration” or “discolored urine,” and “S” stands for “symptoms that last 3 to 4 days.”
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People who suspect E. coli and have symptoms that meet the “BATHS” criteria should contact their doctor, he said.
Fox News Digital's Melissa Rudy contributed reporting.
