Kefir - Chapter 14 - E. Coli

I just read this very interesting post on a kefir making yahoo group that I belong to and thought I would pass it along:

18.

E. coli

Tue May 31, 2011 8:23 pm (PDT)

E. coli is one of the most ubiquitose bacteria on this planet! In other words, it is EVERYWHERE, and I can guarantee it is on the grass in your lawn, probably on your own hands most of the time. It is found in the Colons of all animals that have colons, including those pretty song birds you want to eat at your bird feeders. And mice. And cats, And dogs. And parrots. You should have from five to fifteen POUNDS of this bacteria in your own Colon as you read this. You need it for final absorption of the food values in the chyme that has not been fully "harvested" in your small intestine.

It is virtually harmless, BUT - a big But - There are four or five varieties of it that will give you "Montezuma's Revenge" of vomiting and diahrrea, which is annoying but rarely fatal., And there is ONE specific variety that normally lives in COW STOMACHS, and it will KILL YOU.

Those unfortunate folks got contaminated with that deadly variety.

Now you know why us old geezers were taught to "wash all fruits, apples, and vegetables before even tasting them." And to wash our hands before handling food.

Now, the fun thing is that when this nasty variety of E. Colii is deliberately introduced into healthy Kefir Grains, IT IS KILLED BY THE KEFIR GRAINS.,

Incidentally, E. Coli of the harmless kinds is often found in milk, even pasteurized milk if it has been carelessly handled during the bottling process after the pasteurization. Or after it has been put in pitchers or glasses while being served at the table.

I would not worry too much about it becoming a problem in your Kefir.

Jean

in central Iowa