E. coli O157H7 in foodstuffs in the Czech Republic

Outbreaks of pathogenic E. coli O157:H7 cause serious problems in most of developed countries (USA, Canada, Japan, UK etc.) and the research on it is one of the priorities of the Czech Republic. The opinion delivers overview of taxonomy, physiology, growth and survival of E. coli O157:H7 and describes its occurrence in foodstuffs and health risk for consumers. High number of E. coli O157:H7 illnesses are caused by the consumers themselves due to improper manipulation with food. It is necessary to broaden knowledge of consumers in relating risks.