In the light of the latest E. coli outbreak which has been traced to rocket in UNWASHED mixed leaf salad, (this time it’s E. coli O157 which is found in the gut and faeces of many animals, particularly cattle, and can contaminate food and water…outbreaks of O157 are rare compared with other food-borne diseases) I thought this advice from Public Health England was worth posting.
Avoiding E. coli infection
- Wash hands thoroughly after using the toilet, before and after handling food, and after handling animals
- Remove any loose soil before storing vegetables and salads
- Wash all vegetables and fruits that will be eaten raw
- Store and prepare raw meat and unwashed vegetables away from ready-to-eat foods
- Do not prepare raw vegetables with utensils that have also been used for raw meat
- Cook all minced meat products, such as burgers and meatballs, thoroughly
- People who have been ill should not prepare food for others for at least 48 hours after they have recovered
R M Nutrition 