Disease Database Drug Database Alt. Parents should avoid giving unpasteurized juices or ciders to their children because the drinks carry a higher risk of containing bacteria such as E. coli , Health Canada warned Thursday. The elderly and people with weakened immune systems should also avoid unpasteurized juices, the department said in a policy statement warning of the risks of consuming these drinks. The statement says unpasteurized juices and ciders have been connected to several recent outbreaks of gastrointestinal illness in Canada and the United States, with E. coli being the most common cause of the ailment.
Symptoms can include stomach cramps, vomiting, fever and bloody diarrhea.
It can be fatal in some cases. Pasteurized juices and ciders are heated to destroy harmful bacteria that may be present. Health Canada suggests consumers boil fresh unpasteurized juice or cider as an extra precaution. Click Here to make suggestions, comments about C-Health.