Wash, Wash, Wash to Guard Against E. coli

A killer e. coli outbreak in Europe, blamed on vegetables, is a reminder that Fairfield County residents can take steps when preparing food to prevent this potentially deadly disease.

The best way to keep this nasty illness from sickening your family is simple: Wash your hands. To prevent getting foodborne illnesses from fruits or vegetables, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends rinsing fresh produce to remove visible dirt and grime. The outermost leaves of lettuce and cabbage also should be removed. Cut produce should not be left at room temperature for several hours, the CDC says. 

Here is more information on how e. coli is spread through contaminated produce and this website has some tips for preventing disease in a home garden. 

The CDC recommends the following further precautions:

1. Wash your hands after using the bathroom, changing diapers and after contact with animals. Always wash your hands before preparing food. 

2. Cook meat thoroughly. Ground beef and other meat that has been needle-tenderized should be cooked to a temperature of at least 160 degrees. It’s best to use a thermometer -- color is not a very reliable indicator of “doneness.”

3. Avoid raw milk, unpasteurized dairy products and unpasteurized juices (such as fresh apple cider).

4. Don't swallow water when swimming or playing in lakes, ponds, streams, swimming pools, and backyard “kiddie” pools.

1. 5. Thoroughly wash counters, cutting boards, and utensils after they come in contact with raw meat.

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