The E. coli that is pathogenic in humans (0157:H7 strain) usually comes from cattle feces. Using cow manure (organic fertilizer) is one way in which produce becomes contaminated. Ground meat often becomes contaminated because bits of the cattle intestines (and feces) may be ground into the meat. Cooking things well will kill the bacterim, but washing it will not. There are about 73,000 cases of E. coli reported annually to the CDC (Center for Disease Control) and about 61 deaths (or about 1 death for every 1,250 cases). Most deaths occur in the very old or otherwise unhealthy people such as those that are immunocompromised. Most people just "get over it". Many people probably get E. coli and never realized that that is what they had. They just figure that they had the stomach flu for about a week. It is certainly reasonable to contact your physician if you develop severe diarrhea and have eaten spinach within the last 8 days, but I personally would not loose any sleep over it if I was not having any symptoms.

First off to the boards..and for sharing that information...I never knew that information at all.

Edited September 17, 200619 yr by SweetNYGal33

Quick.....someone better warn Popeye!!!!!!!!!!!

Sorry just had to say it.

Anyway, people have gotten sick from it here in Kentucky too. Glad I hate spinach.

My grandma loves to eat spinach in salads. Even the online grocery store has stated that no spinach will be shipped in our groceries.

Tonight on the news, the reporters were talking about all the lawsuits going out against many companies; a one year old got sick from eating spinach her mom gave her; so her and the husband plan on suing Dole.