Final answer:
Diarrhea is the most common sign of foodborne illness, and E. coli O157:H7, found in raw produce like spinach and vegetable sprouts, is a particularly dangerous strain. Proper food processing and personal hygiene are vital to prevent illness, as global trade complicates tracking and controlling outbreaks.
Step-by-step explanation:
Diarrhea is the most common sign of foodborne illness. You are most likely to find E. coli, specifically serotype O157:H7, in raw produce like spinach and vegetable sprouts. This particular strain of E. coli can produce Shiga toxin, which can lead to serious complications such as bloody diarrhea and kidney failure. Although most E. coli strains are harmless and reside benignly in the human intestine, the O157:H7 serotype is notorious for its pathogenicity and potential to cause fatal outcomes. Foodborne pathogens like E. coli often proliferate in foods that are not properly processed or cooked, and can be traced back to animal waste contamination.
Authorities can issue recalls for contaminated food products; however, the spread of these pathogens can be exacerbated in a globalized food economy where tracing the source proves challenging. Preventative measures such as proper cooking and hand washing are essential to avoid foodborne diseases. Outbreaks of foodborne illness have a significant impact, with the CDC reporting large numbers of sicknesses, hospitalizations, and deaths annually in the United States due to contaminated food.