Numerous deaths occurred from a rare form of E.Coli bug believed to have started in organic cucumbers. Hundreds of cases were diagnosed in Germany, along with over 500 people reported feeling sick. Other cases were reported in several other European countries.

Known as hemolytic-uremic syndrome, food poisoning from the virulent super-bacterium is potentially deadly, as it has an effect on the blood, kidneys and in severe cases the central nervous system.

"The outbreak is unusual in that it has developed very rapidly and an unusually high number of cases affected adults, particularly women, instead of the normal high-risk groups, which are young children and the elderly", said World Health Organization office in Europe.

The contaminated vegetables were at first believed to have been grown in Spain and then sold abroad. The Spanish food agency said the Andalusian authorities would look into the source of contamination, which may have also changed lettuce and tomatoes.

E.Coli contamination is normally linked to human and animal faeces, which could have contaminated irrigation water, or spreading improperly composted manure on the plants.

E.Coli bacteria has been discovered in unpasteurized milk, meat, ham, raw vegetables, apple cider, turkey, chicken, sandwich meats, roast beef, cheese and polluted water.

An E.Coli spinach contamination killed three and sickened 2004 people, in 2006.

Seven people in 2002 died and 2,300 fell sick in Ontario after E.Coli was found in the town's water supply. The cause of contamination was traced to manure spread on a farmer's paddock near to one of the town's wells.

It is understood that 73,000 people are annually treated for E.Coli related sickness and approximately 61 deaths are reported in the U.S.A. alone.

Once a person has consumed E.Coli ruined food, the infection can be transmitted person-to-person by hand-to-mouth contact.

The changes in microorganisms have caused an increase in E.Coli incidents, as well as changes in growing, harvesting, processing, distribution and consumption practices.

Here are simple steps to minimize E.Coli infection:

• Where possible purchase fresh vegetables from a reliable source
• Always wash your hands before food preparation
• Thoroughly wash vegetables and raw fruits before eating them
• If uncertain, soak vegetables such as apples and lettuce in distilled white vinegar for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Rinse with clean tap water.
• Cleanse utensils, cutting boards and kitchen surfaces with 1 tablespoon of chlorine bleach per gallon of water
• Avoid cross-contamination between cooked and uncooked food
• Destroy any bacteria by cooking meat thoroughly
• Only use safe water
• Immediately refrigerate leftovers