Crèches targeted in E coli crackdown

CHILDCARE facilities and crèches have been singled out by the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) as a priority in preventing the spread of the potentially fatal E coli bacteria.

With infants and children particularly vulnerable to the potentially life-threatening consequences of E coli infection, the FSAI has issued a series of guidelines for childcare professionals.

The information leaflet, launched yesterday, advises care in a number of areas including:

* Food preparation and storage - there is a legal requirement to ensure the person preparing the food is trained in basic food hygiene. Stringent food hygiene practices are vital in preventing cross contamination of ready-to-eat foods with bacteria on raw meat.

* Toilet and hygiene practices - emphasis should be on handwashing and in supervising children washing their hands after toilet use and before consuming food. Hygienic practices in relation to nappy changing and the disposal of soiled nappies and wipes are also essential.

* Avoiding the spread of infection between children - children who are sick and/or have diarrhoea should be kept at home and if a child becomes sick during the day, parents should be contacted to collect him/her immediately. Special attention should be given to cleaning and disinfecting the area where a child has vomited or had diarrhoea.

* Safe water supply - if the childcare facility is served by a private drinking water supply or a group water scheme, the owner should ensure that the water is safe and complies with European drinking water standards. For a private supply, the water should be tested for bacteria. If there are doubts about the safety of the water, it should be boiled before use.

Last year, two crèches and a water scheme were associated with the largest-ever Irish outbreak of illness linked with E coli O157, when 18 people were infected, including nine children.

Yesterday, Dr Wayne Anderson, chief specialist in food science, FSAI, warned the impact the bacteria can have on infants and children cannot be underestimated.

“The incidence of E coli O157 and the risk to public health from resulting infection is of serious concern. E coli O157 can be spread quickly and we need to ensure that infants and children are protected from the potentially fatal illnesses that can result following infection.”

The FSAI leaflet, E coli O157: Protecting the Children in Your Care, will be sent to childcare facilities throughout the country.

A copy can also can be obtained by contacting the FSAI on 1890 336677 or logging on to www.fsai.ie.

Symptoms and outcomes

* Bloody diarrhoea and severe stomach cramps.

* Up to 10% of cases develop kidney disease or kidney failure (Haemolytic Uraemia Syndrome - HUS).

* Children under the age of 10 are most susceptible to HUS.