It outlines the steps that should be implemented by producers, processors, distributors and retailers to reduce the possibility of contamination of unpasteurized juices. The Code has been widely distributed to the juice industry, the fruit processing industry and provincial governments. Fruit juices and ciders can become contaminated with harmful bacteria. Pasteurized juices and ciders undergo a heat treatment to destroy these bacteria, while unpasteurized juices and ciders do not. Unpasteurized juices and ciders have been connected to several recent outbreaks of gastrointestinal illness in Canada and the United States.
Symptoms can include stomach cramps, vomiting, fever, and bloody diarrhea.
In a small percentage of people, the condition can lead to severe kidney damage and can be fatal in some cases. Young children, the elderly and people with weakened immune systems are at highest risk. Consumers in this group should only drink pasteurized products. Do refrigerate unpasteurized juice products and respect the best before dates. Don't rely on freezing or refrigeration to make unpasteurized juices or ciders safe.