Just some information on E. coli. Escherichia Coli is a whole class of bacteria. Most are harmless; many live in the human gut causing no problems. One strain E. coli 0157:H7 is a major cause of foodborne illness. This strain is often found in the intestines of healthy cattle or in their manure. Many people get infected with E. coli after eating uncooked beef. And also from raw milk, unpasteurized fruit juices and produce. Humans can spread it thru the bacteria in their stools.

As far as E. coli IN the leaves, researchers are "examining" whether spinach and other vegetables can absorb E. coli and carry the bacteria within their leaves. Otherwise, it can be too tightly bound to the leaves to be able to wash it off.

Kitt