E.coli is commonly contracted from consuming which type of food?

E. coli is commonly associated with ground beef due to the way it is processed and handled. When cattle are processed, E. coli bacteria can be introduced into the meat, especially during the grinding process, which can spread the bacteria throughout the product. If ground beef is not cooked to the appropriate temperature, any E. coli present in the meat can survive and potentially cause foodborne illness when consumed.

Other food sources may also be involved in E. coli outbreaks, but ground beef is a particularly high-risk item due to the combination of how it is raised, processed, and prepared. Ensuring that ground beef is cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F is critical for eliminating this pathogen and preventing illness. This point highlights the importance of proper cooking techniques and food safety practices in handling and preparing food.