It is difficult to say that it is certain, Vitamin C prevents growth of E. Coli. One reason may be that there is ascorbic acid in Vitamin C and that prevented the growth of bacteria. However, these E. Coli bacteria have been known to grow in acidic conditions, such as apple juice. To test this theory, it is necessary to test the concentration of vitamin C with much smaller concentrations. References Rosenburg, Jack.
Beef industry fails to halt meat testing.
New penicillin booby-traps bacteria. 34 issue 5 on page 8. Reference to the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition refers to the Jun99 vol. 69 issue 6 issue on page 1086.