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National E. Coli Outbreak a Reminder -- 5.20.2014

COLUMBUS PUBLIC HEALTH – Press Release 

For Tuesday, May 20, 2014


 
Contact:      Jose Rodriguez   (614) 645-6928           [email protected]

National E. Coli Outbreak a Reminder to Cook Meat to Proper Internal Temperatures
Cooking Beef to 160° Kills E. Coli and Prevents Illness

As several states experience a serious E. coli outbreak linked to ground beef, Columbus Public Health is reminding residents to cook ground beef and all meat to safe internal temperatures to prevent illness. 

Ground beef must be cooked to 160° internally as measured by a meat thermometer.

“E. coli can cause serious complications, and we are asking residents to stay healthy and safe during this outbreak by making sure their beef is always fully cooked to a safe temperature,” says Health Commissioner Dr. Teresa Long.

Additionally to prevent illness, residents should use separate cutting boards and utensils for raw meat, and wash their hands and food preparation areas with soap and hot water after handling raw meet. 

The current E. coli 0157:H7 outbreak has sickened people in several states, including Ohio. Federal authorities have linked the outbreak to ground beef sold by the Wolverine Packing Company in Detroit.  The company has recalled 1.8 million pounds of ground beef products that may be contaminated.

To date, no cases have been reported in the central Ohio region.  However, federal and state regulatory authorities cannot confirm at this time whether the beef was sold in this region, so residents should be vigilant in making sure they thoroughly cook all ground beef they have in their freezers and homes.

Columbus Public Health does not have regulatory authority – and plays no role in the distribution of food.  However, it is working to give residents the information they need to stay safe during the outbreak.

“The health and safety of our residents is our number one priority,” adds Dr. Long.  “And we are working to protect their health and improve their lives during this outbreak and all year round.”  

For more information on the E. coli 0157:H7 outbreak, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

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