Well would rather eat red worms than e coli for if you look that up it says "see defacate" and if you look that up, well I note food handlers in these fast food places seem neat and clean, but if you eve notice they go to bathrooms and do not wash their hands; once I ordered a hamberger when I ate the things and they put a lot of goop on it - I said I had ordered it plain, and the waitress in the Wendy's joint, took her fingers and pulled off the garbage on the top. A woman at the salad bar was dipping a chip into a dip, taking bite, and dipping it again. After 7 this Wendy burger place became hangout for street people - so no more fast foods for me - until the food handlers have better training and I do not like anyone spitting in my food either. Saba Public Health Facts E. COLI (HAMBURGER DISEASE) Hamburger disease is caused by a germ belonging to the family of E.coli bacteria, that produces a toxin or poison. E.coli 0157:H7 bacteria are the most serious strain of E.coli known. The toxin damages the lining of the intestine. Young children, the very old and people who are weak or ill are more susceptible to contracting hemorrhagic colitis as a result of E.coli 0157:H7. It can be found in the intestines of cattle, can be spread from person to person and it can get into the food we eat, especially meat. Outbreaks involving many people eating the same contaminated food have been reported as well as occasional cases involving only one person in a family. What are the Symptoms? After the contaminated food has been eaten, it can take as little as 12 hours or as long as 7 to 10 days before any symptoms start. Those affected will develop severe stomach cramps and then diarrhea. The diarrhea is watery at first but may become bloody. A mild fever may or may not be present. The illness usually lasts 7 to 10 days. Most people recover without problems but the disease can be more severe in the very young and very old. An unusual form of kidney failure called Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome can occur. Anyone exhibiting bloody diarrhea should call their doctor. How Do I Know I Have It? Diagnosis is made from a stool culture. The bacteria can be spread to other people through food and poor handwashing practices for as long as the bacteria is in the faeces. Therefore, it is important to submit follow-up stool samples, to make sure it is gone. Where Does it Come From? The E.coli germs have been found in pork, chicken, turkey, beef, raw milk and contaminated drinking water. Human cases of the disease have been caused by eating undercooked meat (especially hamburger) and drinking unpasteurized milk. Proper handling and cooking of these foods prevents illness. This will not only protect you against E.coli but also other germs such as Salmonella that cause food poisoning. What To Do If You Are a Confirmed Case? **AFTER USING A TOILET, wash you hands thoroughly with soap, nail brush, and hot water. Your towel and washcloth should not be used by others. The disease is spread by the faeces and after using the toilet, the germ can stay on your hands. Remember, just because you can't see it doesn't mean it is not there. **DISHES AND UTENSILS should be disinfected by using a recommended disinfectant like household bleach (e.g. Javex) or boiling water. Dishes should be washed first and then allowed to soak in a sink of clear water with 2 tablespoons of bleach for at least 45 seconds. **WASH AND DISINFECT all bathroom fixtures frequently, especially water taps, flush lever, toilet seat and cover. **LAUNDRY, particularly bedding, underclothing and towels used by the patient should be disinfected. This is extremely important if the patient is a child still in diapers or an incontinent adult (a person who cannot control their bowels). Parents and caregivers should be careful to wash their hands before diapering a child and immediately afterwards. Children ill with this bacteria should not attend daycare. **OTHER PEOPLE IN CONTACT WITH A PERSON WITH THIS DISEASE are urged to follow these recommendations closely as well. It is important that you wash your hands thoroughly because food is one of the easiest ways for these bacteria to be spread. After handling a soiled article used by the patient, the bacteria will remain on your hands and can easily be transferred to food, dishes or utensils which may be used by others. WHAT ABOUT TREATMENT? Drinking lots of clear fluids is important to prevent or treat dehydration. Most cases do not require any other treatment. Taking medication to stop the diarrhoea is not usually advised. Antibiotics are of uncertain benefit. HOW TO PROTECT YOUSELF? **WASH HANDS after using the toilet, before preparing foods and after handling raw meat. **DRINK ONLY PASTEURIZED MILK. Never let youngsters sample raw milk from the animal. **DRINK WATER from a supply known to be safe. If you have a private water supply (well) it should be tested several times a year. Never drink water from a lake, river, open spring supply unless you know it is safe. **REFRIGERATE OR FREEZE meat as soon as possible after buying. **THAW frozen meat in the refrigerator, not on the counter. **PREPARE raw hamburger patties or other meat quickly, then cook them right away, or put them in the refrigerator. Don't let raw meat sit out. **WASH AND SANITIZE counter tops, cutting boards and utensils after contact with raw meats and poultry, especially before using these areas for preparation of ready-to-eat foods. Use hot soapy water to wash, rinse with water, and then sanitize with household bleach. **WHEN BARBECUING or cooking meat such as hamburger, pork or chicken, the meat should be THOROUGHTLY COOKED AT THE CENTRE. Meat and juices should be brown, not pink or red -- check to make sure. **PLACE cooked meat on clean plates. Don't re-use dishes that have been in contact with raw meat. **SERVE cooked meat immediately or keep it hot (60 degrees C or 140 degrees F). Don't let cooked meat sit out. **REFRIGERATE leftover meat as soon as possible after the meal. Back to Communicable Diseases Introduction Back to Food Safety Information Back to Public Health Facts
http://www.srhip.on.ca/bgoshu/FoodSafety/FoodHamburgerFS.html
