How does spinach become contaminated with E. coli?
E. coli refers to a group of bacteria normally found in the intestines of healthy humans and animals. Of the hundreds of types of E. coli, most are harmless. But a few strains of E. coli are responsible for serious food-borne infections — including E. coli O157:H7. Spinach can become tainted with E. coli by exposure to contaminated water or animal or human waste. Cattle manure that contains E. coli O157:H7 — which can contaminate streams that flow through produce fields — is one possible concern.
