Prevention

E. coli: Lawyer Provides Prevention Information

The following information on the E. coli prevention is provided by Pritzker | Olsen, P.A. , a nationally-recognized law firm in the area of foodborne illness lawsuits. Lawyer Fred Pritzker has 29 years of experience and is currently lead attorney in a major food poisoning case involving victims from several states. He has been selected by other lawyers for inclusion in the 2005-2006 edition of The Best Lawyers in America. To learn more about Fred Pritzker, please see E. coli: Lawyer and Attorney.

E. coli Prevention Measures

Cook meat thoroughly
Keep a clean kitchen
Drink pasteurized beverages
Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly
Wash your hands

E. coli O157:H7 infection will be an important public health issue as long as it contaminates the meat that we eat. Preventive measures by the meat industry may reduce the number of cattle that carry E. coli and the frequency of contamination of meat during processing. But since research into such prevention measures is just beginning, it is important that you understand the steps you can take to protect yourself and your family.

E. coli Prevention in Your Kitchen
You can take steps to avoid spreading harmful bacteria in your kitchen. You should keep raw meat separate from ready-to-eat foods. Wash your hands, counters and utensils with hot, soapy water after they touch raw meat. You should never place cooked hamburgers or ground beef on the unwashed plate that held the raw patties. Wash your meat thermometer between testings of ground beef patties that require further cooking.

Prevention of E. coli in Meat, Milk, Juice, Cider and Produce

Meat: People are often infected with E. coli 0157:H7 by eating undercooked ground beef. Therefore, your family should cook all ground beef and hamburger thoroughly. Use a digital instant-read meat thermometer because ground beef can turn brown before disease-causing bacteria are killed. As you cook hamburgers, insert the thermometer into several parts of the patties, especially the thickest parts. Make sure it reads at least 160º F for each patty. If you do not use a thermometer, you can decrease the risk of illness from E. coli 0157:H7 to yourself and your family by ensuring that ground beef patties are not pink in the middle.

If a restaurant serves your family an undercooked hamburger or other ground beef product, send it back for thorough cooking. Don't hesitate to ask for a new bun and a clean plate, as well. Remember E. coli in meat can contaminate other food.

Milk, Juice and Cider: You should drink only pasteurized milk, juice or cider. Commercial juice in boxes and vacuum-sealed juice in glass containers have been pasteurized, although it may not say on the label. Juice concentrates are heated sufficiently enough to kill pathogens.

Fruits and Vegetables: You should wash your fruits and vegetables thoroughly, especially if they will not be cooked before eating. Fruits and vegetables can become contaminated with E. coli and cause an E. coli outbreak. To provide additional information on the prevention of E. coli, lawyer Fred Pritzker has provided tips and links about E. coli and fresh produce.

The elderly, people with fragile immune systems (immunocompromised) and children under 5 years of age should not eat alfalfa sprouts. Research is underway to devise methods to decontaminate alfalfa seeds and sprouts.

E. coli Prevention While Swimming
Find out if your municipal water has been treated with chlorine or other effective disinfectants. When swimming, avoid swallowing lake or pool water.

E. coli Prevention in Your Family
You can help protect your family from E. coli by taking a few simple preventative measures. You can reduce the risk of spreading infection by ensuring that people with diarrhea (especially children) wash their hands carefully with soap after bowel movements. You should always wash your hands after changing soiled diapers. Anyone with diarrhea should not swim in public pools or lakes, share baths with others, or prepare food for others.

Food Safety Prevention Links
CDC Video: Handle and prepare food safely
CDC Video: Wash your hands often
USDA Video: Thermy in Action - A public service announcement on the use of food thermometers

E. coli: Lawyer and Free Consultation
If you or someone you love has become seriously ill from E. coli bacteria, contact us for a free consultation regarding your legal rights and remedies. You can reach a lawyer at Pritzker | Olsen, P.A. by calling toll-free at 1-888-377-8900 or filling in our online consultation form.

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Fred Pritzker on Twitter

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Fred Pritzker is listed in The Best Lawyers in America

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