FDA, State of Maryland, and Baugher Enterprise warn consumers to avoid Baugher’s Apple Cider
For Immediate Release: Nov. 5, 2010
Media Inquiries: Doug Karas, 301-796-2805, [email protected]
Consumer Inquiries: 888-INFO-FDA
FDA, state of Maryland, and Baugher Enterprise warn consumers to avoid Baugher’s Apple Cider
Cider may be related to outbreak of E. coli infections
Fast Facts
• Baugher’s Apple Cider in half gallon and gallon containers, offered for sale in Maryland and Pennsylvania, is preliminarily linked with an outbreak of E. coli O157:H7 infections.
• Consumers who have any of this cider should not drink it and should dispose of the cider in a manner that prevents people or animals, including wild animals, from consuming it.
• Most people infected with E. coli O157:H7 develop diarrhea and abdominal cramps, but some illnesses may last longer and can be more severe. While most people recover within a week, some may develop a severe infection. Rarely, as symptoms of diarrhea improve, a type of kidney failure called hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) can occur; this can happen at any age, but is most common in children under 5 years old and in older adults. People with HUS should be hospitalized immediately, as their kidneys may stop working and they may be at risk for other serious health problems.
• As of Thursday, Nov. 4, 2010, 7 persons infected with the outbreak strain of E. coli O157:H7 have been reported from Maryland since October 22. There have been 3 reported hospitalizations, 1 possible case of HUS and no deaths.
What is the Problem?
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DHMH) join Baugher Enterprise in warning consumers to not consume Baugher’s Apple Cider, as this cider may be associated with an outbreak of E. coli O157:H7 infections. The cider was available for sale in Maryland and Pennsylvania.
What are the Symptoms of Illness/Injury?
Most people infected with E. coli O157:H7 develop diarrhea and abdominal cramps, but some illnesses may last longer and can be more severe. While most people recover within a week, some may develop a severe infection. Rarely, as symptoms of diarrhea improve, a type of kidney failure called hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) can occur; this can happen at any age but is most common in children under 5 years old and in older adults. People with HUS should be hospitalized immediately, as their kidneys may stop working and they may be at risk for other serious health problems.
What Do Consumers Need To Do?
Do not drink Baugher’s Apple Cider. Consumers should dispose of the cider in a manner that prevents people or animals, including wild animals, from consuming it.
Anyone who experienced signs of E. coli O157:H7 infection should contact his or her health care provider immediately. Health care providers should report any suspected infection to state or local public health authorities right away.
Where is it Distributed?
Baugher Enterprise reports that the cider is distributed throughout Maryland and in the Gettysburg area of Pennsylvania.
What is Being Done to Protect Consumers?
The FDA, DHMH and Baugher Enterprise are working together on the investigation. Initial public notification was made by DHMH on Nov. 4, 2010. FDA and the DHMH will continue to update the public with more information as soon as it is available. The FDA, in conjunction with the DHMH, has initiated an investigation at the Baugher Enterprise production facility.
In addition, Baugher Enterprise has voluntarily recalled the cider from its distributors.
The information in this press release reflects FDA’s best efforts to communicate what the manufacturer has reported to FDA.
For more information:
Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene News Release
Baugher Enterprise Inc. News Release
Juice and Cider: Make sure they’re safe
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