An Outbreak of Escherichia coli O157:H7 Infection from Unpasteurized Commercial Apple Juice

Background: Escherichia coli O157:H7 infections have traditionally been associated with animal products, but outbreaks associated with produce have been reported with increasing frequency. In fall 1996, a small cluster of E. coli O157:H7 infections was epidemiologically linked to a particular brand (brand A) of unpasteurized apple juice. Objective: To define the extent of the outbreak, confirm the source, and determine how the apple juice became...