Some interesting facts about E.coli

The following are some of the facts from a great infographic from Safe Food Queensland – you can find it here – https://www.safefood.qld.gov.au/newsroom/infographic-10-facts-about-e-coli/?fbclid=IwAR11AGfpyCD412N2NjHsfWJhlnq13hHzifLk4Bke8426O-HNqoKp1DZGFYU

High Risk foods – Undercooked minced meat, salami type products, raw milk products, yoghurt, fruit and vegetables

Incubation period – 3-8 days

Estimated cases in Australia each year – 257350

Illness caused by – toxin

Food poisoning symptoms – Fever and fatigue, watery / bloody diarrhea, anemia or kidney failure

Growth range – 7- 50°C

Food recalls caused by it between 2008 and 2017 – 32

E.coli can survive on surfaces for weeks

Things to do to reduce it

• Heat foods to at least 70°C
• Wash hands properly
• Keep all surfaces clean
• Wash all fruit and vegetables before use