With all signs pointing to produce as the cause of the E. coli outbreak in New Jersey, some may begin to wonder how the bacteria gets on vegetables in the first place.

Rutgers scientist Don Schaffner says there are many ways E. coli can contaminate food. Schaffner says the contamination could go from an animal?s feces directly to produce or it may go through an intermediate vehicle such as water.

Schaffner says the bacteria thrives in water, so it is wrong to assume only vegetables that grow close to the ground are at risk. According to Schaffner, E. coli can contaminate produce through irrigation water.

Health officials say a good way to avoid getting the bacteria is to wash all produce before eating it. Health officials add that counter tops and kitchens should also be sanitized since E. coli can survive in those places.

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