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Monday, March 18, 2024

How to Prevent Getting E Coli

Tips from Totesnewworthy on how to prevent getting E Coli. The recent E. Coli outbreak in multiple states has caused panic among people in the United States. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention confirmed that over 100 people have been infected with the E. coli 0103 while 11 are under hospitalization.

And while there haven’t been any fatalities reported, it is crucial to note E. Coli is a very contagious disease that comes with dire symptoms. The first step to preventing E Coli is to know about the disease and how it comes about in the first place.

 

What is E. coli?

Escherichia coli is a kind of bacteria that usually exists in your intestines and can also be found in the intestines of some animals. Most strains of E. coli pose no harm, but some types can bring you symptoms like diarrhea, nausea, and various others that can be devastating if not given prompt attention.

How is E. coli transmitted?

E. coli infections occur mainly via ingesting or handling foods that have been contaminated or getting into contact with animals already suffering from the virus. In addition, infections between people are possible when they come into close contact with one another such as in a family home, nursing homes, or childcare centers. A broad variety of foods can also be credited with the spread of the disease, with possible sources including unpasteurized milk, uncooked or undercooked meat, unpasteurized cheese and apple juice, and fresh produce like spinach, sprout, cucumber, etc.

How to prevent getting E Coli?

E. coli infections happen when food sources come into contact with either human or animal waste. In most cases, E. coli is associated with foods like meat and all forms of production, which can be exposed to the contamination during processing. A safe approach on how to prevent E coli will be to maintain high standards of hygiene and sanitation in general. Learning the proper way of storing and cooking food will go a long way to assist you in E. coli prevention. Consider the following essential tips to protect yourself from E. coli:

Cook food at the Proper Heat

Cooking meats, fish or poultry to the right temperature will ensure that the E. coli bacteria present is killed. Ensure that you cook your red meats to a 160-degree temperature whereas your white meats should be prepared to 180 degrees. You may need a food thermometer while cooking to ensure that these temperatures are reached. If you have to eat at a restaurant, be sure to check for under-cooked meats.

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How to Prevent Getting E Coli

 

Buy your meat last

When shopping for your grocery, buy all your meat, fish or poultry last. Walking with these meats in a cart around the store allows them to thaw, allowing the bacteria to grow before leaving the store.

Thaw your meat carefully

Don’t thaw your meat quickly at room temperature, especially if the conditions are warm. Allow the meat to thaw gradually on the warmer shelves of the refrigerator, and if you want to cook immediately, thaw your meat in a microwave.

Store food properly

Ensure your refrigerator is cold enough when you store your food. It should be 41 degrees or lower as E. coli bacteria starts thriving at 45 degrees. If you are planning to eat your meat the next morning, be sure to store it in the coldest shelves of your freezer.

 

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Keep your counters clean

When preparing your meat or any other ingredients, remember to wipe your kitchen counters thoroughly with a disinfectant and allow them to air dry before placing the raw meat on it.

 

Wash your produce

When you come home with your groceries from the store, use a vegetable scrubber to rid your produce f any bacteria that may be remaining. You can use clean water mixed with white vinegar in the same ratio and dip all your produce into the solution for about 15 minutes. Remember to rinse everything well before preparation.

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How to prevent getting E Coli

Avoid Raw Food

Although you might be accustomed to eating your produce raw to benefit from the vitamin content, you need to realize that this won’t help in preventing E coli. It increases the risk of contamination. You want to steam the raw produce at high temperature to kill the bacteria. Also, keep off raw milk, unpasteurized juices, and dairy products.

 

Keep your hands clean

Washing your hands using hot water and antibacterial soap will ensure that you don’t potentially transfer the E. coli to your food when handling it.

 

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