Reduce Your Risk of E. coli and Listeria Infection

E. coli and Listeria are both types of bacteria that can cause serious illness and, in some cases, life-threatening complications for those infected. People typically are infected with these types of bacteria after consuming contaminated water or food, or coming into contact with certain animals. Almost every year there is at least one widespread E. coli or Listeria bacteria outbreak and subsequent food recall. In the first half of 2016 alone, the CDC investigated a large Listeria outbreak caused by frozen vegetables as well as an E. coli outbreak linked to flour.

Although most E. coli bacterial strains are beneficial and live harmlessly in our intestines, some strains associated with food poisoning can cause severe cramps, diarrhea, and vomiting. Listeria infections typically result in fever, muscle aches, nausea, and diarrhea. While most healthy people recover from a bout of E. coli or Listeria food poisoning within a few days to a week, some people, including infants, the elderly, and those with compromised immune systems, may experience life-threatening complications. There are no vaccines or drug treatment for E. coli infections. In severe cases of Listeria infections, doctors may prescribe antibiotics. Although you can’t always avoid food poisoning, the best way to reduce your risk of infection is by implementing proper prevention techniques:

Wash Your Hands (and Your Veggies!)

Wash your hands thoroughly and often — before, during, and after preparing foods, using the bathroom, or coming into contact with animals. Make sure kids also wash their hands before eating their meal. In addition, don’t forget to give raw veggies and fruits a good scrub and rinse with water before eating.

Cook Meat Thoroughly

Cook ground beef and any meat that has been needle-tenderized to reach a temperature of at least 160 degrees Fahrenheit. The CDC recommends the use of a meat thermometer, as it’s difficult to determine “doneness” by color alone.

Avoid Unpasteurized Products

Only drink beverages, such as milk, juice, and cider, that have been pasteurized. For those especially at risk, avoid soft cheeses, such as feta, blue cheese, and queso fresco, as well as yogurt, pudding, and ice cream, unless the packaging indicates it was made with pasteurized milk.

Prevent Cross Contamination

Prevent cross contamination while preparing meals by cleaning counters, cutting boards, and utensils after they come into contact with raw meat. In addition, keep fluid from meat packages, such as hot dogs, pre-cooked sausages, and deli meats, away from other foods in your meal preparation area. And of course — wash your hands after handling raw meat.

Don’t Drink the (Pond) Water

Not all E. coli infections come from contaminated foods. You can also become infected with E. coli by drinking contaminated water. As such, don’t drink untreated water from ponds, lakes, or rivers, even if they look clean. In addition, avoid swallowing water while swimming.

Think you’ve contracted a foodborne illness? Rest, drink plenty of fluids, eat bland foods, and reintroduce regular foods slowly. If symptoms worsen, see your doctor immediately.