Reduce the risk of E. coli
Learn about E. coli, how it spreads and what you can do to protect your customers.
What E. coli is
Escherichia coli (E. coli) is a common bacterium. These bacteria live in the intestines of warm-blooded animals.
Types (also known as strains) of E. coli can live in the intestines of healthy people and animals. These don’t always cause problems, but some strains can make people ill.
The most important VTEC strain to cause illness in the UK is E. coli O157. This can live in the intestines of healthy cattle, sheep, goats and a range of other species.
How E. coli spreads
If humans consume anything contaminated by faeces from infected animals, E. coli could infect them.
Infection may result from direct or indirect contact with animals that carry VTEC. Someone could get infected from being in an environment contaminated with animal faeces. This could include farms and places with animals which are open to the public.
If someone does not wash their hands regularly, they could transfer bacteria from contaminated material to their mouth.
The infectious dose of VTEC O157 is very low, less than 100 bacterial cells. Infection can spread within families, particularly among those caring for infected children. It can also spread easily in settings like children’s nurseries.
How to control the risk of E. coli
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has guidance for food businesses. It includes the steps you need to take to control the risk of food becoming contaminated by E. coli O157.
It also covers what businesses should do to protect their customers.
Find information about how to control cross-contamination from the FSA.
Download guidance about E. coli.
View the list of Defra-approved disinfectants.
The list is subject to regular updates.
For more information, phone 01273 292 161 or send an email to ehl.food@brighton-hove.gov.uk.