A Man of Science....

Scientific Article :

E.coli bacteria

 disclaimer: no students were infected by this while at Duchy, I just have a keen interest... weird I know.

E. coli is a common type of bacteria that can get into food, such as beef and vegetables. E. coli is short for the medical term Escherichia coli. The strange thing about these bacteria — and lots of other bacteria — is that they're not always harmful to you.  

E. coli lives inside your intestines, where it helps your body break down and digest the food you eat. Certain types (called strains) of E. coli can get from the intestines into the blood. This is a rare illness, but it can cause a very serious infection. One very bad strain of E. coli was found in fresh spinach in 2006 and some fast-food hamburgers in 1993. Beef can contain E. coli because the bacteria often infect it.

Adults must be sure to clean food containers after every meal and make sure all meat is properly cooked. But kids can help, too. Here are three ways:

1.   When you're at a restaurant, order your burger well done. Eat it only if it's brown, not pink.

2.   Don't drink lake, ocean, or pool water. If the water contains any human waste, it can carry the E. coli bacteria.

3.    Always wash your hands after you use the bathroom and before you eat.                                                   

  Nicolas Mansart  19.7.11