Which pathogen is characterized by certain strains producing Shiga toxin and is commonly implicated in outbreaks tied to undercooked ground beef or contaminated produce with bloody diarrhea?

• A. Shiga-toxin producing Escherichia coli (STEC), such as O157:H7.
• B. Norovirus, which produces a Shiga enterotoxin responsible for severe bloody stools in many beef-related outbreaks.
• C. Clostridium perfringens, which produces a Shiga-like toxin and typically causes bloody diarrhea after consuming raw produce.
• D. Listeria monocytogenes, which is the main cause of bloody diarrhea in outbreaks from undercooked ground beef and contaminated leafy greens.

Answer: (A)