Common food sources of Escherichia coli

E. coli is among the most common and important human bacterial pathogens, causing more than 90% of all urinary tract infections and many cases of diarrheal illness worldwide. E. coli is  a normal inhabitants of the digestive tract in both humans and animals; in its normal environment, it prevents the growth of more dangerous bacteria.

There are four main transmission routes whereby Enterohaemorrhagic E. coli (EHEC) may be transmitted to human: the food borne route, water, contact animal faecel material and person-to-person spread.

spinach

The food source of infection is usually the ingestion of contaminated meat, milk, vegetables or other food products contaminated with bovine feces.

The food-borne route often involves consumption of undercooked meat or meat products (mostly beef) contaminated with the organisms via faecal contact during slaughter.

Unwashed or poorly washed vegetables and fruits are common sources of foodborne illness. The 2006 North American E. coli outbreak, raw spinach was contaminated with E. coli resulting in 200 cases of infection. About 276 consumer illnesses and 3 deaths have been attributed to the tainted produce.
Common food sources of Escherichia coli