Food saFety

escherichia coli o157:H7 is a foodborne pathogenic bacterium that resides in the intestinal tract of cattle and has been associated with a variety of foodstuffs including raw beef products (arthur et al. 2013, 2010, 2009; ebel et al. 2004; Macdonald et al. 2000; Vogt and dippold 2005; Wachtel et al. 2003). While most E. coli are harmless to humans, a handful of E. coli types can cause disease. E. coli o157:H7 is possibly the most virulent of all pathogenic E. coli capable of causing severe disease and even death. the pathogenesis of this organism is conveyed for the most part by excreted shiga toxins. during an infection, the bacterium attaches to the epithelium of the human intestinal tract and secretes shiga toxins, which are transported to the bloodstream (LeBlanc 2003; Mohawk et al. 2010). Circulation takes these toxins to multiple susceptible tissues causing damage to the kidneys, lungs and central nervous system.