How Does E. Coli Spread Through Food Infection?

 Posted on August 21, 2025 in E. Coli

An E. coli infection can come with debilitating symptoms ranging from bloody diarrhea to abdominal cramps. This infection can spread through direct contact with other people, contaminated water, and contaminated food. If you believe that you have contracted an E. coli infection due to a food provider’s negligence, you should seek out an Illinois food poisoning attorney.

At Newland & Newland, LLP, we have specific experience handling food poisoning cases, having recovered millions in food poisoning verdicts. Even if you did not suffer any long-term effects after a hospital visit, we will take your case seriously and seek compensation for your damages. We are prepared to investigate an E. coli infection to hold the responsible party liable.

Negligence During Food Processing Can Cause E. Coli

E. coli is a group of bacteria that resides in the intestines of healthy animals, including humans. Many E. coli strains are benign, and actually help with digesting food. However, when animals are prepared for human consumption, people can be exposed to harmful E. coli strains. 

Many E. coli infections can be traced back to processed ground beef. This can lead to mass outbreaks where people unknowingly buy contaminated products at grocery stores or restaurants. 

At Newland & Newland, LLP, we have experience handling statewide and even nationwide food poisoning cases, holding food providers accountable for misconduct. We can investigate a food supplier for negligence during processing, questioning what steps were taken to avoid contamination.

Correlation Between Unhygienic Food Preparation and E. Coli

In some cases, the fault for an E. coli infection may lie with an individual restaurant or food provider rather than a massive processing plant. Simple acts of negligence during food preparation can expose customers to E. coli. Food can become contaminated during preparation due to:

• Unclean surfaces

• Improper handwashing

• Poor pest control, resulting in fecal matter coming in contact with food

Restaurants and cooks should be held to rigorous standards when it comes to sanitation. At Newland & Newland, LLP, we can look into a restaurant’s health and safety practices. If we find anything concerning, we can use it as evidence to support your food poisoning claim.

Do Certain Foods Pose a Greater Risk of E. Coli Infection?

Some foods carry a known risk of E. coli infection. As previously mentioned, ground beef is a common vector for harmful E. coli strains. However, this does not mean that people on a vegetarian diet are safe from infection. Some vegetables such as spinach, sprouts, and lettuce can carry E. coli.

E. coli can spread through vegetables in food processing plants, typically as a result of exposure to animal feces or contaminated water. If you start exhibiting E. coli symptoms after eating one of these vegetables, visit a doctor as soon as possible.

Contact an Illinois E. Coli Food Poisoning Lawyer

If you have fallen victim to an E. coli infection, know that you can take legal action against the responsible party. At Newland & Newland, LLP, our Illinois food contamination attorneys can help you file a claim against the food provider or producer for compensation. Call our offices at 312-981-0409 to schedule a free consultation.