E. coli hazard continues in Germany Published July 14, 2011 By Staff Reports SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany -- Due to continued E. coli cases throughout Europe, the U.S. European Command advises military members in Europe to refrain from eating raw sprouts of any kind based on recommendations from the U.S. Army Public Health Command Region-Europe and European Regional Medical Command. German public health authorities report a strong association among the E. coli outbreak and consuming raw sprouts. Specific sources of the outbreak remain unknown and have not been confirmed. "E. coli is still an ongoing threat in Germany," said Tech. Sgt. April Lewis, 52nd Aerospace Medicine Squadron community health section chief. "Our Saber community should continue exercising caution while eating or purchasing sprouts of any kind while off-base." The commissaries' supply of raw sprouts was not impacted because the Defense Commissary Agency does not purchase their sprouts locally, she said. In general, to lower the risk of possible food contamination and human infection, the following precautions can be taken during preparation of fruits and vegetables: Wash hands before and after preparing foods; wash all fruits and vegetables; avoid cross contamination of different foods; keep storage temperatures low for food; and peel and cook fruits and vegetables to further remove microbes. "E. coli can be easily spread by cross contamination to food products, which is when a food infected with E. coli comes in contact with other foods," Lewis said. "Keep food preparation areas sanitized, because a clean preparation area is vital in preventing cross contamination." For more information, call the 52nd AMDS Public Health Office at DSN 452-8308.