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Does cooking kill E. coli bacteria? What to know after multiple outbreaks?
Over the past few months, there have been massive food recalls by authorities due to widespread E. coli contamination – primarily linked to ground beef and organic carrots. According to experts, E. coli is a common bacteria, but consuming some strains of the pathogen can make you seriously ill or even kill you. Heating food to about 160°F can kill it, but experts say if you suspect the food may be contaminated, you should throw it away. Read on to know more.
E. coli is a common bacteria found everywhere in the environment, including in the food, water, and intestines of people and animals.
There have been several outbreaks of E.coli bacteria affecting everything from carrots to ground beef, and several products have been recalled in connection with the pathogen, which has sickened dozens of people. While recall notices have been quick to urge customers to get rid of potentially contaminated products, many also come with reminders to cook meat to safe temperatures. However, the biggest question is, does cooking kill E.coli?
Many people are confused about whether it is safe to eat something that may be contaminated with bacteria unless it is cooked properly.
What is E.coli?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Escherichia coliOr e coliis a common bacteria found everywhere in the environment, including food, water, and intestines of people and animals. many types e coli These are considered part of a healthy intestine which also aids in digestion.
Experts say that even though most of these pathogens are harmless, some can cause serious illnesses and can even be fatal. Most people get infected with its dangerous strain e coli By eating contaminated food or drinking contaminated water, or by coming into contact with infected animals, the environment, or other people.
You may develop symptoms of infection, usually within three to five days after drinking alcohol or eating contaminated foods. e coli Bacteria. Other strains can make you sick within a few hours. Sometimes, symptoms begin as soon as 10 days after exposure.
According to doctors, normal type e coli Infections include gastrointestinal and urinary tract infections, and others include:
- bloodstream infection
- prostate infection
- pelvic inflammatory disease
- gall bladder infection
- pneumonia
- Meningitis
What is Signs and symptoms of E.coli infection,
Some signs and symptoms of e coli Infections include:
- watery and bloody diarrhea
- stomach pain and cramps
- loss of appetite
- low grade fever
- pain or burning while urinating
- frequent and urgent need to urinate
- cloudy, foul-smelling urine
Although most of the symptoms of this infection are common, a specific form of the pathogen known as Shiga toxin-producing e coli Can cause a serious health condition called hemolytic uremic syndrome, which can lead to kidney failure or even death.
Does cooking kill E.coli infection?,
According to the Food and Drug Administration, restaurants are required to cook ground beef to a temperature of 155°F for 17 seconds. But the CDC and the U.S. Department of Agriculture recommend that at home, you should cook ground beef to 160°F, as this temperature kills e coli quickly.
To do this, experts recommend using a food thermometer inserted into the center of the meat to check the temperature. As far as vegetables are concerned, doctors say that it is better to cook them, although most people prefer to eat raw vegetables. Still, if you cook your vegetables, like carrots, to an internal temperature of 160°F, this will kill any dangerous bacteria.
According to experts, even though eating food can reduce its risk e coliTo reduce the risk of infection it is better to follow government instructions for the recall and discard the product. It’s also important to thoroughly clean items that have come in contact with returned food, including any food stored nearby in the refrigerator.
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