Nickname: E. coli O157:H7

Morphology: Gram-negative rod

Habitat: Lives in the intestines of dairy and beef cattle; can contaminate human food either directly in fields or during food processing

Disease or illness: It causes severe intestinal infection with bloody diarrhea. The toxins produced by these bacteria can also cause severe kidney problems.

Who is at risk: Anyone who eats contaminated food; the disease is most severe in children

Avoidance techniques: Cook beef to 160° F; wash all produce before eating it raw; drink only pasteurized milk and apple cider; wash hands before preparing food.

“On spinach leaf, or undercooked ground beef, I can cause children a world of grief.”