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June 3, 2011

E. Coli Strain Could Be Deadliest; Bacterium Would Be Legal in U.S. 
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The World Health Organization is warning that a strain of E. Coli that's
killed 17 people and sickened nearly 2,000 more in Europe may be the
deadliest ever seen. The bacterium is believed to be a mutant
combination of two different strains. According to the Washington Post,
the bacterium that has caused the deaths would be legal in the United
States if discovered on meat or poultry because of a regulatory
oversight. That means there would be no way to prevent an outbreak were
the strain to contaminate fruits or vegetables.



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