George Smith, Epidemiologist at (501) 661-2225
Arkansas Department of Health

Little Rock—The Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) is advising consumers to properly handle and cook ground beef to prevent infection with E. coli 0157:H7.

E. coli 0157:H7 is a potentially deadly bacterium that can cause bloody diarrhea and dehydration. The very young, seniors and persons with compromised immune systems are the most susceptible to food borne illness. Anyone who suspects they may have a food borne illness should contact their physician.

At least 22 cases of E. coli infection have resulted from the consumption of undercooked ground beef involved in recent recalls. No illness associated with the consumption of ground beef involved in these recalls has been reported in Arkansas.

The United States Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service has advised ADH that they are conducting an investigation to determine if any of the ground beef products involved in the recent recalls have been distributed in Arkansas, and will notify our agency if any of these products were distributed in the state.

Whether or not ground beef is involved in a recall, ADH advises consumers to practice the following safety measures when handling and preparing ground beef for consumption:

• Cook all meat, especially ground beef, thoroughly.
• Make certain that cooked ground beef is gray or brown (not pink) throughout.
• Cook ground beef to 160 degrees F. internally. Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature.
• If you are served an undercooked hamburger in a restaurant, send it back for further cooking.
• Wash hands thoroughly after handling raw hamburger.
• Clean all utensils and surfaces thoroughly after contact with raw meat.

Other safety precautions that should be taken to prevent an infection with E.coli are:

• Wash hands thoroughly using warm water and soap.
• Wash hands after going to the bathroom or changing a diaper and before preparing or eating food.
• Teach children good hygienic habits.
• Avoid consuming unpasteurized apple juices or apple cider.
• Drink municipal water that has been treated with adequate levels of chlorine or other effective disinfectants.

ADH is working in conjunction with the United States Department of Agriculture and may issue further advisories if products involved in recalls are found to have been distributed in Arkansas.

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