Hereford-based HP Bulmer and water treatment firm Nalco Ltd, which had a contract with the firm, both admitted failing to ensure people's safety.
The Health and Safety Executive brought the case after 28 people fell ill in a Legionnaires' outbreak in Hereford in late 2003.
Lawyers have yet to decide whether one or two people died as a result.
Unlimited fine
The source of the outbreak, which affected both residents and visitors, was traced to cooling towers at HP Bulmer's site in Plough Lane.
A woman in her 50s, who had other medical problems, and a man in his 70s died after contracting the disease in the winter of 2003.
HP Bulmer and Cheshire-based Nalco Ltd, admitted failing to ensure the safety of people not in their employment between September 2002 and November 2003.
The two firms will be sentenced at a later date. The offence is punishable by an unlimited fine.
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