Prevention
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, to prevent Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) infection, you should:
- Wash your hands thoroughly after going to the bathroom or changing diapers
- Wash your hands thoroughly after handling animals, animal bedding, or any material contaminated with animal fecal matter
- Eat only thoroughly cooked ground beef, pork, sheep meat, or sausage.
- Cook ground meat products to an internal temperature of 160ºF
- Avoid drinking unpasteurized milk and juices
- Wash fresh fruits and vegetables thoroughly before eating raw
- Prevent cross contamination in food preparation areas by washing hands, counters, cutting boards, and utensils after they touch raw meat.
- Keep raw meat separate from ready-to-eat foods
