E. Coli is a type of bacteria that lives in the intestines. While most types of E. Coli are completely safe, there are some that can cause illness.
According to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services:
“The worst type of E. coli, known as E. coli O157:H7, causes bloody diarrhea and can sometimes cause kidney failure and even death. E. coli O157:H7 makes a toxin called Shiga toxin and is known as a Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC). There are many other types of STEC, and some can make you just as sick as E. coli O157:H7.”
In early November, the USDA announced a large E. Coli outbreak, recalling over 100,000 pounds of ground beef. In addition to thie outbreak, Chipotle also announced E. Coli contamination. Now the news gets worse, as the Chipotle E. Coli outbreak spreads to 9 states.
Now, 47 of 52 people sickened by E. Coli reported eating at the restaurant before they became sick.
The exact cause or ingredient that caused the E. Coli contamination is still unknown.
The FDA updated their ongoing statement with the following:
• Fifty-two people infected with the outbreak strain of STEC O26 have now been reported from a total of nine states: California (3), Illinois (1), Maryland (1), Minnesota (2), New York (1), Ohio (3), Oregon (13), Pennsylvania (1), and Washington (27).
• The epidemiologic evidence available at this time suggests that a common meal item or ingredient served at Chipotle Mexican Grill restaurants in several states is a likely source of this outbreak.
• The investigation is still ongoing to determine what specific food is linked to illness.
“While no cause has been identified, none of the ingredients that were in our restaurants at the time of this incident are still in our restaurants,” Chipotle spokesman Chris Arnold said in an email.
Note: None of the information in our website is intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any illness or disease. The content on our website is for educational purposes only.
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REFERENCES:
1. “E. Coli.” FoodSafety.gov. FoodSafety.gov, n.d. Web. 8 Dec. 2015.
2. “Multistate Outbreak of Shiga Toxin-producing Escherichia Coli O26 Infections Linked to Chipotle Mexican Grill Restaurants.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 20 Nov. 2015. Web. 8 Dec. 2015.
3. “Chipotle E. Coli Outbreak Broadens To 9 States.” The Huffington Post. HuffingtonPost.com, n.d. Web. 8 Dec. 2015.
4. “FDA Investigates Multistate Outbreak of E. Coli O26 Infections Linked to Chipotle Mexican Grill Restaurants.” FDA.gov. U.S. Food and Drug Administration, n.d. Web. 08 Dec. 2015.
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