According to the CDC’s Escherichia Coli General Information webpage, there are different forms of E. coli bacteria. Some are harmless, others can be potentially fatal. E. coli O157:H7 is a unique form of E. coli bacteria.  This form of E. coli is capable of generating Shiga toxin.  When the toxin are produced from E. coli bacteria, complications can result. The E. coli bacteria itself can cause... [more]

Mentally, I have been planning a camping trip for several years now. Sleeping under the starry skies and hiking through some of the most pristine forests this country has to offer. I have looked at backpacks with lightweight frames, moleskin to prevent blisters, outdoor cooking equipment, and, of course, a coffee pot. One interesting thing that I have looked at are water treatment tablets. After researching... [more]

According to Food Safety Research Institutes’ webpage entitled “Pathogens and Contaminants: Escherichia coli O157:H7,”  five to fifteen percent of children, who contract Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome after a bout with E. coli, die. In the United States, Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome is the most common cause of child-related renal failure. Additionally, Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome results in less than... [more]

Randolph Packing Co. Inc., an Asheboro, N.C. establishment, is recalling approximately 96,000 pounds of beef products that may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced.  The products subject to recall include: Combo bin packages of “Randolph Packing Co., Inc. BONELESS BEEF.” Combo bin packages of... [more]

Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS) is a potentially fatal disorder that can follow contraction of  E. coli O157:H7 food poisoning. HUS is a disorder that typically wreaks havoc on an individual’s kidneys and the body’s red blood cells. Interestingly, HUS is not only associated with post E. coli infections. It has also been linked to foodborne illness cases of Shigella and Salmonella. Children are... [more]

The Wall Street Journal just published an article that notes the FDA has concluded that food poisoning is becoming more prevalent. According to the article, yearly over 75 million cases of foodborne illnesses are reported. Additionally, over 300,000 people each year are hospitalized for some type of food poisoning and 5,000 people die as a result of these illnesses. What is causing this increase in... [more]

Good news for a change. USA Today reported that changes are being made to the standards established for testing of beef bought by the USDA for the National School Lunch Program. The changes will focus around stricter testing of beef for bacteria such as E. coli O157:H7 and Salmonella. According to the planned changes, beef will be sampled in fifteen minute intervals as it moves through the production... [more]

A Montebello, California meat packing plant is under criminal investigation. According to the Food Safety Inspection Service, Huntington Meat Packing, Inc., which has previously had to recall beef products due to E. coli O157:H7 contamination is in violation of certain Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points. Because of these violations, an added 4.9 million pounds of beef and veal products are... [more]

As emergency teams rushed to Haiti to provide supplies and medical assistance to injured victims, one of the main health issues that arose was maintaining the safety of the water supply. A January 13, 2010 CNN article entitled “Haiti Earthquake Could Trigger Medical ‘Perfect Storm,’” describes how animal feces and decaying bodies can contaminate available water causing diarrheal infections... [more]

Food irradiation is a possible method of getting rid of harmful bacteria, such as E. coli, on meats, fruits, and vegetables. According to the CDC, this process can reduce consumer contact with Camplylobacter, Salmonella, and E. coli O157:H7, which can lead to foodborne illnesses and potentially fatal complications such as Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS). For example, meat can be bombarded with gamma... [more]