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General Mills recalled 5 million Totino's and Jeno's pizzas because the pepperoni toppings on the pizza may be tainted with e coli. This seems to be a growing problem. In November Cargill Inc. recalled 840,000 lbs of frozen meat patties. In September Topps recalled 21.7 million pounds of ground beef. In May PM Beef Holdings recalled 117,500 lbs of beef trim used to make ground beef and February saw the recall of Wellsey Farms mushrooms plus there's been recalls over lettuce and spinach.

What is E Col?

Esherichia coli (e coli) is a common type of bacteria that lives in your intestines. It helps the body break down and digest foods however certain strains can get from the intestines into the blood causing sickness.

The most common way to get the illness is by eating foods that are contaminated with the illness. It can also be passed from person to person by people that are contaminated and who don't wash their hands properly after going to the bathroom.

The symptoms start about 7 days after you are infected and the first sign is stomach cramps that start suddenly. A few hours later diarrhea starts and cause the loss of fluids and electrolytes. After about a day the diarrhea changes to bright red bloody stool caused by the sore in your intestines from the infection. Other symptoms can be fever, nausea or vomiting. There is no treatment for the virus except making sure that you are well hydrated. Don't take medication to stop the diarrhea as this would stop your body from eliminating the bacteria.

How to Avoid E. Coli?

• Wash your hands carefully, with soap, before cooking
• Order or cook your ground beef until it is well done, no pink
• Don't put cooked beef on same plate that you had uncooked beef on
• Don't let meat defrost on the counter
• Wash all fruit, vegetables thoroughly, especially those that will not be cooked
• Wash your hands carefully, with soap, after going to the bathroom, especially if you have diarrhea

Read more about the recent recall of Totino's and Jeno's pizzas at BrandingPost