Preventing E-Coli: Tips for Cleanliness and Health

Sanitation and Hygiene

• Teaching children to wash hands thoroughly after using the bathroom and before meals is crucial for preventing E-Coli transmission.
• Proper cleaning and sanitization of surfaces, especially where raw meat is handled, are essential steps in reducing the risk of contamination.
• Wash the shelves and the inside walls of the refrigerator at least once a month. If anything spills, especially meat juice, immediately clean up the spill with soap and warm water, then sanitize it. 

Cooking Safety

• Use a meat thermometer to ensure all meat reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. This will kill all E-Coli bacteria.
• Reheat leftovers to 165 degrees Fahrenheit to eliminate any potential bacterial growth.
• It is also important to store perishable items below 41 degrees Fahrenheit

Sources of E-Coli

• E-Coli is commonly found in meat and raw dairy products but can also be present on raw vegetables and other foods.
• Thoroughly washing and handling food can help minimize the risk of contamination.

Post-Food Preparation Sanitation

• It is very important to clean the surface you prepare food on, both before and after, particularly the cutting board or anywhere you cut and prep raw meat.
• After preparing food, follow a two-step cleaning process: first, use dish soap to remove grease and grime, then sanitize surfaces using a sanitizer or hot water (165 degrees Fahrenheit or higher). A spray bottle with sanitizer works the best.

Immune Boosters

• Incorporate natural immune boosters into your child's diet, such as daily probiotics or a spoonful of sauerkraut juice.
• Garlic water, vitamin C, and cod liver oil are also effective in supporting immune health.
• American Wellness sells a great infant powder probiotic that will just mix in with their food.