However, other foods, including fresh apple cider, have been linked to outbreaks. Such cases have been identified this fall in Waterloo Region and other areas. Severe disease can lead to kidney damage and, in some cases, death.
Illness occurs within two to ten days of consuming contaminated food.
Apple cider can become contaminated with E. coli if apples are allowed to come in contact with the faeces of warm-blooded animals. This could occur at a farm for example if apples picked from the ground where livestock are allowed to roam are used in the production of cider. A small amount of faeces on a few apples is thought to be enough to contaminate a whole batch of cider. As well, subsequent batches, produced from the same press, could also be contaminated if the press is not cleaned and sanitized between batches. Check the label and if unsure ask the producer or retailer if the product is pasteurized.