When it comes to E. coli, it’s becoming clear that the 0157 strain is not the only concern. Food safety experts are also worried about, “the big six” — six potentially deadly E. coli strains that regulators have known about for years but have so far largely ignored:
The O157 strain of E. coli is a frightening bug, causing bloody diarrhea and sometimes kidney failure, which can be fatal. Some of the six strains cause less severe illness, but others appear to be just as devastating as the O157.
The beef industry now routinely tests for the O157 strain, but there is no regular testing for the other six strains.
From this New York Times article, it sounds as if food safety officials are going to move slowly to address matters, unless a large and deadly outbreak forces their hand. Link.
