E.coli Outbreak Alert: How to Protect Your Food Source

There are now 11, possible 12, cases of E.coli being investigated by the Atlanta-based Center for Disease Control, including five in Georgia, according to several published reports. None of the cases currently under investigation are in Gwinnett or Walton County. This was confirmed by an East Metro Health Department spokesperson on Friday. The five reported Georgia cases are one each in Coweta, Cherokee and Forsyth counties and two in Cobb County.

It is reported that the CDC has not yet been able to identify the source of the current outbreak. However, there are ways to protect your food source against possible contamination.

The following tips from Wikihow.com should help you to stay safe:

• Cook all ground beef thoroughly.
• During an outbreak, raw vegetables should be boiled for at least 1 minute before being served.
• Never put cooked meats on the plate they were on before cooking.
• Keep all raw meat away from other foods.
• Wash your hands, counter, dishes, cutting board, and all utensils with hot soapy water after they have touched raw meat, greens, spinach, or sprouts.
• If you are served an undercooked hamburger at a restaurant, send it back! Also ask for a clean plate and a fresh bun.
• Cook ground beef to 160° F. Test it with a meat thermometer in the thickest part of the meat. Wash the meat thermometer after use.
• Do not eat ground beef that is pink in the middle.
• Do not swallow pool or lake water while swimming.
• Drink only pasteurized milk, juice, or cider.
• Drink water from safe sources, like municipal water that has been treated with chlorine or bottled water.