Q: What is E. coli and how do I prevent it from making me ill?
A: Escherichia coli (abbreviated as E. coli) are a large and diverse group of bacteria. Although most strains of E. coli are harmless, some can make you sick, causing diarrhea, urinary tract infections, respiratory illness and pneumonia, and other illnesses. E. coli is spread most often through the consumption of contaminated food, the consumption of unpasteurized (raw) milk, the consumption of water that has not been disinfected, contact with cattle, or contact with the feces of infected people.
Here are three steps people can take to reduce the risk of exposure to E. coli:
* WASH YOUR HANDS thoroughly after using the bathroom or changing
diapers and before preparing or eating food.
* COOK meats thoroughly. Ground beef and meat that has been needle-tenderized
should be cooked to a temperature of at least 160F/70℃.
* PREVENT cross contamination in food preparation areas by thoroughly washing hands, counters, cutting boards, and utensils after they touch raw meat.
For more information about E. coli, visit the following CDC website: http://www.cdc.gov/nczved/divisions/dfbmd/diseases/ecoli_o157h7/
Q: How do I contact the Health Department?
A: For more information on restaurant inspections, restaurant licensing, or food safety in general, please contact Saint Louis County Department of Health at 314-615-8900 or food.doh@stlouisco.com
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