The recent problem with E. coli

[Maryann]

The recent problem with E. coli in spinach has made me wonder if there is anything we can do
The recent problem with E. coli in spinach has made me wonder if there is anything we can do to kill or weaken the bacteria without using extreme heat.
I've heard that washing the spinach with water will not help. If a small amount of grain alcohol or vodka was used to clean the spinach would that do the trick or help in the least?

[amberj]

Since ecoli naturally lives in an acidic environment, I doubt if the alcohol would make a difference. The ecolic was actually grown inside of the spinach. Heating it is the only sure way to ensure that all of the bacteria was killed.