| E. coli O157:H7 is a pathogenic serotype that can lead to a serious foodborne illness if present in food whereas generic E. coli is generally used as an indicator of sanitary condition and possible fecal contamination as this organism is found in intestinal track of humans and animals. It is important to note that there are other serotypes of E. coli other than O157:H7 that could be identified as pathogenic E. coli. |