News & Media :: Press Releases
E. coli O157 Frequently Asked Questions
September 25, 2006
In 1999, the Centers for Disease Control estimated that E. coli O157 causes an estimated 73,000 illnesses each year. Progress made in reducing the number of cases triggered by ground beef has reduced the case load 29%, according to the most recent CDC FoodNet data. About 52,000 E. coli O157 illnesses are expected in 2006. Of these, about 10% are likely to be caused by produce, and about half of the 52,000 cases will be caused by foodborne transmission. For More Information Contact:
Questions on the FAQs can be directed to Dr. Charles Benbrook via email at cbenbrook@organic-center.org, or by calling 541-828-7918.
The unfolding, tragic outbreak involving fresh spinach from California has focused national attention on a major public health problem.
The Organic Center has posted a set of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) to help interested individuals and the media better understand where E. coli O157 comes from, how it can get into food, and what can be done to prevent future human illnesses.
Along with the FAQs, the Center has posted a bibliography that includes full abstracts of 200 scientific studies.
"Scientists have learned a lot about this bacterium since a 1992-1993 outbreak in the Pacific Northwest caused 501 illnesses from undercooked hamburger, an episode that put E. coli O157 near the top of everyone's food safety agenda," according to the Center's Chief Scientist Dr. Charles Benbrook. "People touched by the current tragedy, and those working to prevent new outbreaks, need to insist that investigators follow the E. coli O157 bacteria back to its source, so that proven preventive measures can be implemented without delay," he added.
Access the Center's FAQs and bibliography on this website under "State of Science," and then click on "Food Safety," or go to
Both documents will be expanded and updated as new information becomes available.
To schedule an interview with Dr. Benbrook, contact:
Lisa Proctor
Vice President Communications
The Organic Center
(651) 433-4904
lproctor@organic-center.org
