EFSA experts have assessed the public health risks associated with the consumption of foods contaminated with Enteroaggregative Escherichia coli (EAEC). 

Pathogenic E. coli strains are categorised into six groups – “pathotypes” – based on their virulence. EAEC, one of these pathotypes, causes diseases related to the gastrointestinal tract.

Experts of the Panel on Biological Hazards reviewed the characteristics of EAEC, the methods for their identification in food and antimicrobial resistance in these bacteria.

To carry out their work, they used data provided by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control and EFSA’s data on zoonotic diseases.