How to Prevent E. Coli in Child Care Centers
E. Coli, a bacteria that can be harmful to humans, is transmitted through food and beverages. Symptoms include diarrhea, vomiting and stomach cramps. E. Coli can also be passed from person to person, which can be especially worrisome in a child care setting. There are many ways to prevent E. Coli from being transmitted in a child care center, however. Chief among these methods are steps to ensure that cross-contamination doesn't happen along with the avoidance of foods that may contain the bacteria.
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Instructions
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Handling Foods
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Avoid giving children unpasteurized milk, juice and cider. While most commercially bought food products are pasteurized, make sure to check labels just in case.
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Use meat thermometers to make sure that all meats fed to children are cooked thoroughly. Meats should be at least 160 degrees Fahrenheit at their thickest point for at least 15 seconds when checking temperature. Cook meats until there is no pink in the center.
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Keep raw meat separate from ready-to-eat meals and vegetables when cooking for children. Do not place cooked meat on the same plate raw meat was on. Avoid using the same cutting boards, knives and cooking utensils that were used for raw meat when handling other food items.
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Wash all raw fruits and vegetables thoroughly before feeding them to children. While this might not eliminate all bacteria, it will reduce the amount of E. Coli that may be present.
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Avoid giving children non-chlorinated water if the child care center is located close to livestock. E. Coli can be transmitted through downstream water from where livestock are located.
Avoiding Cross-Contamination
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Make sure all providers wash their hands thoroughly before and after cooking, going to the bathroom and changing diapers. Make sure children also wash their hands after going to the bathroom, before and after eating and after touching animals or any material that might contain animal fecal matter. They should wash their hands for at least 30 seconds with soapy water. Providers must also wash their hands after handling animals.
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Wash all utensils and counters thoroughly with hot water and detergent after cooking raw meats.
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Instruct providers to wear disposable gloves when changing diapers. It is especially important to wear disposable gloves if a child has any type of diarrhea as E. Coli might be present.
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Do not allow children to enter a pool if they have diarrhea or a case of stomach flu. Babies and toddlers still in diapers should be kept out of any body of water, especially swimming pools, as E. Coli bacteria can be easily transmitted there.
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Tips & Warnings
Make up a song for the children to sing while washing their hands to make sure they do it for the required amount of time.
Notify the parents if their child is suffering from diarrhea, vomiting or stomach cramps; these are signs of a possible E. Coli infection. Advise the parents that the child needs to stay home until he or she is better in order to prevent other children from contracting the disease.
References
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