How to avoid an E.coli. infection

In the midst of a recent E.coli outbreak which infected more than 100 people in the UK, public health officials have indicated that contaminated salad leaves could have been the culprit.

Symptoms such as mild diarrhoea to bloody diarrhoea with severe abdominal pain are all symptoms which can be suffered as a result of the E. coli O157 infection.

Public Health England says it has triggered heightened surveillance and is carefully monitoring the situation across the UK.

How can you reduce the risk of getting infected with E.coli?

1. Personal hygiene - practice good hand washing procedures, especially after visiting the toilet, after touching animals, handling raw meats etc.
2. Ensure that the wash hand basin is equipped with antibacterial hand soap, a supply of both hot and cold running water and a means to dry hands.
3. Thorough cleaning of fruit and vegetables  is critical to ensure that any loose soil and germs are removed.
4. A good segregation system needs to be put in place to ensure that raw and cooked/ready to eat food items are stored separately.
5. Ensure that food items, especially meat, are thoroughly cooked.

If you require any assistance with implementing/monitoring food safety standards to prevent the threat of E.coli entering your business, please do not hesitate to contact us.