With the Memorial Day Weekend upon us and everyone getting set to fire up the barbecue, the Westchester County Department of Health is reminding residents to be particularly careful when cooking or handling ground beef to avoid contracting E. coli 0157:H7. E. coli, a rare but potentially fatal food-borne type of bacteria, has been associated with several deaths and hundreds of cases of illness in the past few years.

Joshua Lipsman, M.D., M.P.H., Westchester County Commissioner of Health, urged all County residents to thoroughly cook ground beef until it reaches a minimum internal temperature of 158 degrees Fahrenheit. "Fortunately, infections with E. coli 0157 are quite uncommon, but they can result in bloody diarrhea," stated Dr. Lipsman. "Occasionally, this illness can lead to kidney failure and, in severe cases, even death," he warned.

"E. coli 0157 infections are often associated with the consumption of undercooked beef, but outbreaks have been linked to contaminated water, unpasteurized foods (apple cider and milk), and person-to-person transmission," Dr. Lipsman said.

"Cooking ground beef until no "pink" remains on the inside is a common practice used by many people to determine that their hamburgers are safe to eat," Dr. Lipsman continued. "However, the only way to be absolutely certain that ground beef is safe for consumption is to thoroughly cook it to a minimum internal temperature of 158 degrees Fahrenheit. Quick reading metal stem probe thermometers are available inexpensively at most stores where cookware is sold," he added.

Residents should also take care to avoid cross contamination of other foods or preparation surfaces when handling ground beef. To avoid cross contamination with other foods, all kitchen surfaces and utensils that come in contact with raw ground beef (or other meats, fish or poultry) should be cleaned and sanitized with a mild solution of household bleach. Those preparing food should always wash their hands thoroughly before working with any food and particularly after handling hamburger and other raw meats.

For additional information about E. coli 0157, call the Westchester County Department of Health at (914) 813-5000 or visit the website at www.westchestergov.com/health.

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