Here's How Meat Gets Infected With E. Coli. (Hint: It's Not After Processing) - Chowhound

AlexeiLogvinovich/Shutterstock Many of the worst food recalls in U.S. history have been due to E. coli, as eating food contaminated with the bacteria can lead to serious cases of food poisoning. E. coli is naturally present in the intestinal tract of many animals, including cows, sheep, poultry — even in houseflies. When an animal harbors E. coli in its digestive system, the bacteria may be present in its feces.…