E coli 0157

There are hundreds of strains of the bacterium Escherichia coli. Although most E. coli are harmless, E. coli 0157:H7 produces a toxin that can cause severe illness.

In 1982 E. coli O157:H7 was recognised as the cause of an outbreak of severe bloody diarrhoea. This outbreak was traced to contaminated hamburgers. Kidney failure can also occur this is commonly called haemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS).

Outbreaks have been associated with the following eating undercooked or contaminated minced (ground) beef or beefburgers made from the meat; leafy salad vegetables such as lettuce, and spinach; or milk that is either unpasteurised, not pasteurised properly or contaminated with bacteria after pasteurisation. Cases have also been linked to handling or touching infected animals or people, poor hygiene by infected people leading to cross contamination or through contact with animal faeces.

The following websites/blogs are good sources of information on E. coli 0157:

Food Standards Agency:

Institute of Food science and Technology Information Statement:

Food Safety Chat