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You can't tell whether a food is contaminated with E. coli by the way it looks, smells or tastes. Although most types of Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria are harmless, a few nasty strains, such as E. coli O157:H7, can cause serious food-borne illness.

To protect yourself from E. coli and other food-borne illnesses, follow basic food safety guidelines:

* Rinse raw produce thoroughly; scrub those with a firm surface.

* Wash your hands, utensils and kitchen surfaces with hot, soapy water before and after preparing or eating food.

* Keep raw foods, especially meats, separate from ready-to-eat foods.

* Cook your food thoroughly, especially ground beef to a minimum internal temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit.

* Refrigerate or freeze perishable foods promptly.

* Avoid unpasteurized juices, ciders and dairy products.

* Don't drink untreated water from lakes or streams.