What is E. coli?
To explain why good hygiene and the control of E. coli are important, let's first answer the question: what is E. coli? The full name of this bacteria is Escherichia coli, commonly referred to as the fecal bacterium or coliform bacterium. It is a group of bacteria found in the intestines of warm-blooded animals and humans. In this location, they serve a purpose: protecting against other harmful bacteria. E. coli bacteria are the most common cause of urinary tract infections, and some types can cause foodborne infections. The most well-known types are EHEC and STEC [1]. Most types of E. coli bacteria do not cause illness in humans under normal circumstances.
E. coli bacteria
The danger of the fecal bacteria mainly relates to the minority of E. coli strains that produce a toxin called shiga toxin or verocytotoxin. The symptoms of such an infection usually include diarrhea and abdominal pain. Bleeding in the intestines may also occur. Most people recover after a few days. Like Pseudomonas aeruginosa, E. coli poses more serious risks to certain groups of people [2].
Just like Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus, E. coli bacteria thrive in biofilm. This is a collaboration with other microorganisms, forming a slimy layer in a moist environment, such as a water pipe or stagnant surface water. In biofilm, the fecal bacterium becomes even stronger. Biofilm can also be present in the intestines.
The poopbacteria as indicator in the food and livestock industry
Even though the damage caused by E. coli bacteria is usually minor, it is often tested for in the food industry as part of quality control. The NVWA (Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority) also tests for E. coli, removing contaminated food from the market and ensuring compliance with HACCP hygiene regulations and proper food safety plans [3]. E. coli is easy to detect and rarely appears alone. If an E. coli bacteria is found on a product or, for example, in a drinking water system on a farm, it suggests the presence of other pathogens, such as salmonella, which is much more dangerous than the fecal bacteria. In most cases, hygiene has failed, and action is required.
Contamination by bacteria can also occur through other means. Stagnant water in a drinking trough, for example, is a breeding ground for pathogens. Many bacteria, viruses, fungi, and yeasts can be found in drinking troughs and water systems. Together, they form a slimy layer called biofilm. Biofilm is essentially a collaboration of all these microorganisms, making them stronger and posing a danger to your livestock.
The health of the cow suffers as a result. In severe cases, the cow experiences pain and fever, eats and chews less, and milk production declines. This disease costs dairy farms significant amounts of money. Nationwide, the estimated damage exceeds 100 million euros.
E. coli in water
In both the food industry and livestock farming, the source of the bacteria or the contamination route is often a moist environment, but it can also occur in dry manure. Process water systems often involve piping that delivers water to the correct location in the production process. Water pipes are places where biofilm can form, especially if water frequently stagnates, giving bacteria a chance to attach to surfaces. In livestock farming, water systems face the same risks. Using antibiotics to fight E. coli on edible products is not an option, and many types of E. coli are resistant to antibiotics. Antibiotics are used in livestock farming but with limited effect. If drinking water becomes contaminated and all animals drink from the same nipples or troughs, the contamination route remains intact.
Watter: A solution tailored to these specific situations
We offer a system that allows you to produce biodegradable and drinkable disinfectant yourself, made from water, salt, and electricity. The system uses electrolysis to convert these ingredients into disinfectant. The active ingredient is HOCl. Together, they eliminate microorganisms like E. coli and salmonella, as well as viruses, fungi, yeasts, and many other bacteria from the water. Watter Disinfection Solution is an excellent choice for people, animals, and the environment and can be used for process water, drinking water for livestock, and as a disinfectant in healthcare or any other sector.
See first then believe? You may.
Watter is currently used as:
- Drinking water and disinfectant on livestock farms;
- Disinfectant on eggs by fogging;
- Disinfection of surfaces and rooms in nursing homes;
- Process water in potato processing (including washing and cutting);
- Process water and ingredient in glue and paint production.
Potato products have a longer shelf life. Livestock is healthier and production of meat and milk goes up. Working with disinfectants is safer and saves time. Eggs go salmonella-free into the store and children no longer get sick from tinkering. These are the results we do it for. Besides these, there are the test results that show Watter works on many microorganisms. TNO tested Watter and the substance is officially registered on the European Article 95 list for active substances (PT1-5).
Wanna find out what Watter can improve for your company or health care institution? Contact us here!
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