Pasteurized juice that you purchase in a store is the safest kind, because it has been heated to kill bacteria and other germs.  If you make juice  at home, here are some ways to prevent the growth of germs and bacteria.

Freezing does not kill the E. coli bacteria. They are only killed by heat, such as pasteurization. You can do that at home by bringing your fresh juice to boiling for 45 seconds, and cooling it; then keep your juice stored in the refrigerator.

If you do not want to boil your homemade juice, there is no 100% guarantee that it will not become contaminated.  The following guidelines will help reduce the chance of contamination.

The following steps are our recommendations for making fresh juice at home. These are good steps to follow whether or not you choose to heat-treat your juice.

Use "elbow grease" and really scrub the fruit. A drop of detergent in the wash water can help loosen dirt. For an even higher margin of safety, use a dilute chlorine bleach solution because chlorine is an effective disinfectant. (Use 1 tablespoon household bleach in a gallon of cool water.) Rinse the fruit really well with clean water after using a detergent or chlorine wash. If you are washing the fruit by soaking and scrubbing, make sure you change the water frequently.

 

Wash your hands thoroughly and often

Use soap and warm water. Wash hands before starting the cutting and juicing, and frequently during these steps as well. Wash hands for at least 20 seconds (about the time it takes to sing the "Farmer in the Dell" with one animal verse.)

 

Wash your knives, boards, utensils, and juice making equipment thoroughly.

Use a three step process.  1) Wash with soap and warm water. 2)  use the dilute chlorine bleach solution for another disinfecting step. (Use 1 tablespoon household bleach in a gallon of cool water.) 3)Rinse well with clean water afterwards.

Sterilize the containers like you were making jams or jellies.

• E. coli fact sheet
• Biosolids recycling presents low risk
• Washington State Department of Health Public Health E. coli Fact Sheet