Recently, a lawsuit was filed against JBS Swift & Co. on behalf of a young boy infected with E. coli O157:H7 from eating shish kabobs. While E. coli is most commonly associated with ground beef, it’s not exclusive.
Yes, E. coli O157:H7 is commonly known as the “Hamburger Disease”. Why? Well, because cows carry E. coli in their intestines and show no signs of illness as they lack the special cell receptors that are usually attacked by the bacteria. In the processing of the cow, fecal material can end up on the beef cuts and trimmings. When the meat cuts are ground, E. coli O157:H7 gets ground throughout the meat. This is reportedly the most common contamination scenario and why the term “Hamburger Disease” has been applied to E. coli O157:H7.
When food is contaminated with E. coli O157:H7, for all intents and purposes, there is no safe way to handle it. The fact of the matter is that as little as ten E. coli O157:H7 bacteria are enough to cause illness. Just merely handling contaminated meat poses a serious threat. Anything that touches the meat can serve as a cross contamination hub. You may cook the meat to the correct temperature but you can’t cook your fingers, countertops, utensils, or refrigerator. The only way to fully eliminate the threat of E. coli O157:H7 is to never have it in or on meat in the first place.
And, as in the case of the young boy who became ill compliments of E. coli contaminated shish kabobs, the exposure can lead to devastating complications like hemolytic uremic syndrome or HUS. HUS is a blood disease that causes damage to red blood cells. Because of the damage organ systems begin to get blood flow cut off and damage ensues. It is usually the kidneys that are the first system affected. A battle with HUS can lead to a lifetime of problems ranging from expensive medications to the need for kidney transplants. In 15% of the cases, HUS proves to be fatal.
The public needs to be aware that safety measures should be taken when dealing with any raw meat product. But consumer safety practices are simply not enough to truly protect you and your family from E. coli O157:H7 and HUS. Manufacturers must conduct themselves in a responsible manner and provide consumers with disease free products. When manufacturers cannot provide the consumer with healthy and safe food, they put us in danger.
