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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Science
Ian Sample Science editor

What is E coli and how should I avoid infection?

Packaged sandwiches on sale on shop shelves
The UKHSA has recorded 275 cases of E coli poisoning since 25 May, traced to lettuce in shop-bought sandwiches. Photograph: REX/Shutterstock

Health officials are investigating an outbreak of toxin-producing E coli bacteria linked to at least one death in the UK and illness in more than 250 more people. But what is the organism causing the outbreak and how dangerous is it?

What is E coli?

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