Which of the following foods is most commonly associated with E. coli infections?

The most commonly associated food with E. coli infections is unpasteurized milk. E. coli, particularly the strain O157:H7, is known to be found in the intestines of healthy cattle. When milk is unpasteurized, it can contain dangerous bacteria, including E. coli, because pasteurization is the process that heats milk to a high enough temperature to kill harmful bacteria.

While cooked chicken, fresh fruits, and canned vegetables can also pose a food safety risk if not handled properly, they are not as strongly linked to E. coli infections as unpasteurized milk. Cooked chicken, when properly prepared and handled, should be safe to eat, as cooking kills harmful pathogens. Fresh fruits can sometimes be contaminated, especially if washed with contaminated water, but this is less common than the risks associated with unpasteurized dairy products. Canned vegetables being a low-risk food for E. coli infections is largely due to the canning process, which effectively eliminates bacteria. Therefore, the association of unpasteurized milk with E. coli stands out in food safety discussions.