Final answer:
The best way to prevent E. coli infections includes regular handwashing, proper food safety practices, thoroughly cooking foods to proper temperatures, and using treated or bottled water, especially in areas with lower sanitation standards.
Step-by-step explanation:
Preventing E. coli Infections
The best way to prevent E. coli infections is through proper food safety and hygiene practices. Regular handwashing is crucial, particularly before and after handling or preparing food, using the bathroom, and before eating. To ensure food safety, use perishable items before they expire and store them at appropriate temperatures. Thoroughly rinse fresh produce before consumption, even if you will not eat the outer skin, and ensure that foods reach an internal temperature of at least 74 degrees C (165 degrees F) to kill harmful bacteria, using a cooking thermometer for accuracy.
When traveling in areas with lower sanitation standards, avoid undercooked meats, seafood, unpasteurized dairy products, and vegetables. Stick to treated or bottled water, and refrain from using untreated water for any purpose, including brushing teeth. It's important to note that household antibacterial soaps and cranberry juice do not necessarily prevent bacterial infections and should not be relied upon as the sole preventive measures.
Furthermore, foodborne illnesses are often linked to produce contaminated by animal waste, demonstrating the importance of comprehensive food safety practices. While washing produce like spinach multiple times might not remove all bacteria, it's a step worth incorporating into overall food safety routines.