E. coli and Food Safety

ALERT: CDC, USDA-FSIS, and several states are investigating an outbreak of E. coli O103 infections from ground beef. Handle ground beef safely and cook it thoroughly to prevent illness. If you have symptoms of E. coli (severe stomach cramps, bloody diarrhea, vomiting), talk to your healthcare provider.

Although most kinds of E. coli are harmless, some can make you sick. Learn about the kinds of E. coli that cause diarrhea, and what you can do to help lower your chances of infection.

What are Escherichia coli?

Escherichia coli (abbreviated E. coli) are bacteria found in the intestines of people and animals and in the environment; they can also be found in foods.

Most E. coli are harmless and are part of a healthy intestinal tract. However, some cause diarrhea, urinary tract infections, respiratory illness, bloodstream infections, and other illnesses. The types of E. coli that can cause illness are spread through contaminated food or water and through contact with animals or people.