Where is E. coli commonly found?

Where is E. coli commonly found?

• A. Minced beef
• B. Boiled water
• C. Untreated water
• D. Distilled water

Answer: (C)

E. coli normally lives in the intestines of humans and animals and is shed in feces. If water becomes contaminated with sewage or animal waste, this bacteria can be present. Untreated water hasn’t been disinfected, so any fecal contamination can persist, making E. coli commonly found there. Heating or purifying water, as in boiling or distillation, would kill or remove the bacteria, so viable E. coli isn’t present in those waters. While meat can be contaminated during processing, thorough cooking eliminates the bacteria, so untreated water remains the most typical source to indicate fecal contamination.

E. coli normally lives in the intestines of humans and animals and is shed in feces. If water becomes contaminated with sewage or animal waste, this bacteria can be present. Untreated water hasn’t been disinfected, so any fecal contamination can persist, making E. coli commonly found there. Heating or purifying water, as in boiling or distillation, would kill or remove the bacteria, so viable E. coli isn’t present in those waters. While meat can be contaminated during processing, thorough cooking eliminates the bacteria, so untreated water remains the most typical source to indicate fecal contamination.