| Core Evidence | |
| Season 04, Episode 10 | |
| Air Date | December 8, 1999 |
| Previous | Accident or Murder? |
| Next | Haunting Vision |
Core Evidence refers to episode 10 of the Season 4 of the television series Forensic Files which was broadcast for the first time on December 8, 1999.
Plot summary[]
In 1996 in Greeley, Colorado, 16-month-old Anne Grace Gimmenstad became very ill, was rushed to the hospital and died within two weeks. Following extensive medical examinations, it was determined that Anna had been the victim of the deadly bacteria E. coli. Anna'a mother recalled a trip to the grocery store when Anna pointed excitedly at her favorite drink, Odwalla apple juice.
As early as 1993, tests on samples of Odwalla juices found high levels of general bacteria because the company did not pasteurize its products. Federal and state inspection reports confirm that the company used two loads of apples with relatively high defect levels on the day that the juice was made. The genetic markings on the E. coli in the victims matched the bacteria found in the product bottled on that day. Odwalla pleaded guilty to violating federal food safety laws and agreed to pay a $1.5 million fine for the outbreak of E. coli in its juices.