E. Coli is a type of bacteria that lives in the intestines. While most types of E. Coli are completely safe, there are some that can cause illness.
According to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services:
“The worst type of E. coli, known as E. coli O157:H7, causes bloody diarrhea and can sometimes cause kidney failure and even death. E. coli O157:H7 makes a toxin called Shiga toxin and is known as a Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC). There are many other types of STEC, and some can make you just as sick as E. coli O157:H7.”
In early November, the USDA announced a large E. Coli outbreak, recalling over 100,000 pounds of ground beef. In addition to thie outbreak, Chipotle also announced E. Coli contamination. Now the news gets worse, as the Chipotle E. Coli outbreak spreads to 3 more cities.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports the following:
• 45 people infected with the outbreak strain of STEC O26 have now been reported from a total of 6 states: California (2), Minnesota (2), New York (1), Ohio (1), Oregon (13), and Washington (26). • The epidemiologic evidence available at this time suggests that a common meal item or ingredient served at Chipotle Mexican Grill restaurants in several states is a likely source of this outbreak. • The investigation is still ongoing to determine what specific food is linked to illness. • CDC will advise the public if specific steps are identified that consumers can take to protect themselves.
The CDC recommends contacting your health practitioner if you develop diarrhea symptoms after eating at Chipotle. To be safe, avoid eating at Chipotle in the states of California, Minnesota, New York, Ohio, Oregon, and Washington until they are deemed safe.
Note: None of the information in our website is intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any illness or disease. The content on our website is for educational purposes only.
DON’T FORGET to sign up for our weekly newsletter to get our latest articles, updates, free recipes and giveaways.
Chipotle is changing the way they make tortillas for the better.
Chipotle removes GMOs from food.
167K pounds of meat recalled for E.Coli.
REFERENCES:
1. “All American Meats, Inc. Recalls Ground Beef Products Due to Possible E. Coli O157:H7 Contamination.” FSIS. USDA, n.d. Web. 23 Nov. 2015.
2. “E. Coli.” FoodSafety.gov. FoodSafety.gov, n.d. Web. 23 Nov. 2015.
3. “E. Coli Outbreak Linked To Chipotle Spreads To 3 More States.” The Huffington Post. HuffingtonPost.com, n.d. Web. 23 Nov. 2015.
4. “Multistate Outbreak of Shiga Toxin-producing Escherichia Coli O26 Infections Linked to Chipotle Mexican Grill Restaurants.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 20 Nov. 2015. Web. 23 Nov. 2015.
