I’m a food safety expert — these grocery store staples pose the biggest E. coli risks

Lettuce

Lettuce is the leafy green vegetable that is most often associated with E. coli outbreaks. This is because lettuce is often eaten raw, and it can be easily contaminated with E. coli from the soil or water in which it is grown. Symptoms of E. coli infection can include diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, and fever. In severe cases, E. coli infection can lead to kidney failure and death.

Spinach

Spinach is another leafy green vegetable that has been linked to E. coli outbreaks. Like lettuce, spinach is often eaten raw, and it can be easily contaminated with E. coli from the soil or water in which it is grown. Symptoms of E. coli infection can include diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, and fever. In severe cases, E. coli infection can lead to kidney failure and death.

Ground beef

Ground beef is a type of meat that is made from ground beef muscle tissue. Ground beef can be contaminated with E. coli from the intestines of the cow from which it came. Symptoms of E. coli infection can include diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, and fever. In severe cases, E. coli infection can lead to kidney failure and death.

Chicken

Chicken is a type of poultry that is often contaminated with E. coli. This is because chickens can carry E. coli in their intestines, and the bacteria can be transferred to the meat when the chicken is slaughtered and processed. Symptoms of E. coli infection can include diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, and fever. In severe cases, E. coli infection can lead to kidney failure and death.

Unpasteurized milk

Unpasteurized milk is milk that has not been heated to a high enough temperature to kill bacteria. Unpasteurized milk can be contaminated with E. coli from the cows that produce it. Symptoms of E. coli infection can include diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, and fever. In severe cases, E. coli infection can lead to kidney failure and death.