Ethanol and E. Coli

Ethanol production might be contributing to the increased number of beef recalls because of E. coli:

Studies from two universities show evidence that feeding cattle a byproduct of ethanol production known as distillers grains can increase their levels of a deadly form of E. coli bacteria.

In direct response to the findings, the U.S. Department of Agriculture scientists recently put 300 cattle on a diet of distillers grains and plans to test the cows regularly for the bacteria. Results of the test won't be known until later this year.

If the studies do show a link between distillers grains and E. coli, it is going to prove problematic for both industries.