These 3 Foods Are Most Commonly Linked To E. Coli

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (Youdle) – You've heard of E. coli, and you know it's something you want to avoid. E. coli, short for Escherichia coli, is a type of bacteria that lives in the guts of humans and animals. While most types are harmless, some can cause serious illness, especially in vulnerable groups like children, the elderly, and those with compromised immune systems, according to a recent article by Tasting Table.

Despite following basic food safety rules, E. coli can still find its way into your kitchen. The bacteria can contaminate food at any point in the supply chain - on the farm, in the packing facility, or at the supermarket, warns the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. This makes prevention tricky and emphasizes the importance of rigorous safety standards in the food industry. But are there specific foods that pose a higher E. coli risk? Let's dig in.

First on the list: raw ground beef. The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service warns that raw ground beef is especially susceptible to bacterial contamination, including E. coli. Why? When meat is ground, more of its surface area is exposed to potential bacteria. Furthermore, the grinding process can spread the bacteria throughout the meat. And E. coli is a tough bug - it can survive extremely low temperatures, and even reproduce when the food is frozen.

The second food linked to E. coli outbreaks is raw milk and dairy products. These products can become contaminated if the milk comes from cows with E. coli in their feces, a common occurrence. And because raw milk is not pasteurized - a process that kills bacteria - any E. coli bacteria in the milk can survive and make people sick.

Finally, fresh produce, particularly leafy greens like lettuce and spinach, can also carry E. coli. The bacteria can contaminate these crops through contaminated irrigation water, or through contact with feces from infected animals. Washing your produce can reduce, but not entirely eliminate, the risk.

• Raw ground beef

• Raw milk and dairy products

• Fresh produce (especially leafy greens)

So, what can you do? Knowledge is power. Being aware of the foods that carry a higher risk of E. coli can help you take extra precautions when handling these items.

Check the Youdle Community for real-time updates from other shoppers about recalled products or safety alerts. And as always, stay informed by following the Youdle Blog.

Use Youdle to compare prices and availability of safer alternatives, like pasteurized milk or frozen vegetables. We're here to help you shop safely and smartly. Read the full story at Tasting Table.