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E coli O157
About E coli O157
E coli O157 H7 was first identified as a pathogen in 1982 during outbreaks linked to McDonalds hamburgers in Oregon and Michigan. The bacterium produces Shiga toxin, causing hemorrhagic colitis and potentially hemolytic uremic syndrome HUS. The 1993 Jack in the Box outbreak in the Pacific Northwest sickened 732 people and killed 4 children. The outbreak transformed food safety regulation. The USDA declared E coli O157 H7 an adulterant in raw ground beef in 1994, meaning any contaminated product must be recalled. It was the first time a foodborne pathogen in raw meat was declared an adulterant in this way. The outbreak led to mandatory Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point HACCP systems in meat processing. Despite improvements, E coli O157 continues to cause outbreaks through lettuce, spinach, and other produce. The 2006 spinach outbreak killed 3 people and sickened about 200. Cattle are the primary reservoir. Climate change and agricultural runoff may increase contamination of produce.
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