Where does E. coli 0157:H7 come from?
This bacteria is commonly found in cattle feces (poop). Most outbreaks of E. coli 0157:H7 illness have been linked to food or water that has been contaminated with cattle feces. In the case of fruit juice, the fruit that the juice is made from can be contaminated with animal feces in several ways — from lying on ground where cattle or other animals have been, from fertilizers made from animal wastes, or from being carried in a container that has been contaminated. E. coli 0157:H7 can also be spread by birds and humans. How can you protect your family? The best way is to buy juice that has been pasteurized by the manufacturer. Most juices sold in stores are pasteurized. How can E. coli 0157:H7 bacteria be killed? The best way to kill E. coli 0157:H7 and other bacteria is by pasteurization. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency says that people who are at greatest risk of serious illness (see above) should boil unpasteurized juice before drinking it. This is the safest way to protect your
