The Salmon Arm Observer reports that with the fall harvest season approaching, parents and caregivers are advised that children, the elderly and people with weakened immune systems shouldn’t be served unpasteurized apple juice or other unpasteurized products, such as unpasteurized cider, fruit juices and raw milk.
These products have the potential to be contaminated with harmful bacteria, such as salmonella and E. coli, which can make vulnerable individuals such as children, especially those under the age of six, very ill, and can even lead to death.


Unpasteurized juice can be found at some farmers’ markets, orchards, and grocery stores.
The risk of becoming seriously ill by consuming unpasteurized juice products is generally low for healthy adults, but the possible danger to vulnerable groups is much greater. This becomes even more of a concern during the harvest season because schools often take students to orchards as part of class field trips.
Symptoms of E. coli infection include stomach cramps, vomiting, fever and bloody diarrhea, and occurs two to 10 days of consuming contaminated food. People who experience any of these symptoms should contact their doctors immediately.
Most juice sold in Canada is safe as it has been pasteurized to kill harmful bacteria, including refrigerated juices, all concentrated juice and all juice in cans, bottles and juice boxes.