Which bacteria are commonly found in the human intestine and can cause severe food contamination?

E. coli, specifically certain strains like E. coli O157:H7, are commonly found in the human intestine and are notable for their potential to cause severe food contamination. While many strains of E. coli are harmless and reside normally in the gut, pathogenic strains can lead to serious foodborne illnesses. These harmful strains can be transmitted through contaminated food or water and can cause symptoms such as severe abdominal cramps, diarrhea, and sometimes kidney failure in more extreme cases.

This connection to the human gastrointestinal tract is particularly relevant in food safety contexts, as improper handling or cooking of food can facilitate the transfer of these bacteria from human carriers to food products, leading to outbreaks of illness. Therefore, recognizing E. coli as a significant concern in the domain of food safety is vital for proper protocols to prevent foodborne illnesses.