Apple Cider from Maryland orchard linked to E. coli outbreak

A Maryland firm is recall its Apple Cider drink because it likely is contaminated with E. coli bacteria.

According to a release from Baugher Enterprises, of Westminster, the recall includes one gallon and one-half gallon plastic jugs of its Apple Cider. The product was sold in Maryland and in the Gettysburg, Pa., area at retail locations.

Maryland health officials have confirmed seven cases of E. coli poisoning among people who drank Apple Cider from Baugher, and at least three of those cases required hospitalization.

The Apple Cider is unpasteurized, which would explain a bacterial contamination, but so far no products have been tested positive for E. coli bacteria.

Consumers who purchased Apple Cider products included in this recall are urged to discard them, or return them to the retail store where it was purchased for a full refund.

E. coli bacteria can be fatal, and in some cases will lead to a form of kidney failure known as Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS). HUS is a serious threat to children and the elderly, and to people with compromised immune systems.

Unpasteurized beverages do not go through a key process which removes active bacteria.