Prevention

Ground beef is the most common source of E. coli infection, but other foods, water, contact with animals, and contact with infected people can also cause infection. Below is general E. coli prevention information. We also have information on ground beef and prevention of E. coli.

• WASH YOUR HANDS. The best way to prevent infection and the spread of E. coli is to wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds as recommended by the CDC in their guide at: http://www.cdc.gov/cleanhands/
• Avoid Unpasteurized Liquids. Unpasteurized milk and apple cider, and even cheese curds made from unpasteurized milk have been found to be sources of outbreaks of E. coli.
• Avoid Swallowing Water in Lakes, Streams and Pools. Small children or animals may defecate in the water, contaminating it with E. coli. Lakes may become contaminated directly by animal or human feces, or the presence of a nearby farm may introduce fecal matter into the body of water.
• Wash Fruits and Vegetable Well Before Serving. This is especially true of uncooked fruits and vegetables. Washing does not necessarily remove all of the bacterium, and only 100 organisms are needed to cause disease from E. coli O157:H7. It is best if raw fruits and vegetables are cooked to be sure that there is no E. coli present before consumption.
• Avoid Alfalfa Sprouts. Alfalfa sprouts have been implicated as the source of several major outbreaks of E. coli O157:H7. Alfalfa sprouts are particularly dangerous because washing them with water does not completely remove E. coli from alfalfa sprouts. Research is currently underway to determine how to safely clean alfalfa sprouts. Until a new method of cleaning is found, the elderly, children under 5 and those with compromised immune systems should avoid alfalfa sprouts.
• If you have a private well at your home, have it tested for E. coli. Private wells can become contaminated with E. coli and are not regularly tested for microorganisms. To find a certified lab near you, call the Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 1-800-426-4791.

Sources:

1. Centers for Disease Control, Division of Foodborne, Bacterial, and Microbial Diseases, Escherichia coli General Information, 2008. Online at http://www.cdc.gov/nczved/dfbmd/disease_listing/stec_gi.html#16

2. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Basic Information about E. coli O157:H7 in Drinking Water, 2006. Online at http://www.epa.gov/safewater/contaminants/ecoli.html

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• Experienced

  Our law firm has represented victims of E. coli outbreaks involving ground beef, spinach and lettuce. We have also handled cases involving restaurants, including cases where health officials could not pinpoint the food served at the restaurant that was responsible for the illnesses. We also have represented the families of people who died from the complications of an E. coli infection, including hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS).

• Respected

  Our lawyers have gained a national reputation in this area and have been interviewed by The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, TV stations and others. In recognition of their accomplishments, Pritzker | Ruohonen lawyers Fred Pritzker, Rich Ruohonen and Elliot Olsen have been named "Super Lawyers" by Law & Politics.

• Advocates

  For most of our clients, the goal of an E. coli lawsuit is not only just compensation, but also to send a message to food manufacturers, food retailers, restaurants and others that food safety matters. We support our clients in this and take measures to advocate for needed changes on the federal and state levels.