Kent State University
Microbiology Learning Center |
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| A pathogenic strain of Escherichia coli called O157:H7 poses a serious health problem for humans. This relatively new enteric disease and its severe complications were first seen 10 -15 years ago. Cattle are asymptomatic carriers of this bacterium. During processing of the beef at the slaughterhouse, the meat may become contaminated with fecal material along with this potentially dangerous bacterium. This contamination serves as a source of infection when humans eat improperly prepared (undercooked) meat. Cases of E. coli infection are now starting to crop up in other food sources besides beef! Over the past year several cases were confirmed where persons became infected by drinking apple juice or cider. | ||
Questions to consider: 1) What was the source of the E. coli in the apple cider? (How did E. coli get in the apple cider?) 2) Is it the responsibility of the consumers to protect themselves by preparing food properly or should the beef processing industry be responsible for keeping their product free from pathogenic bacteria? If
you want to know more about E. coli O157:H7, check out
this site: http://www.mediconsult.com/travel/shareware/ecoli/index.html |
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