The Dangers of Unpasteurized Apple Cider
The U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) has been issuing seasonal advisories regarding unpasteurized juices, including apple cider, due to the risk of foodborne illness.
The dangers of unpasteurized juices
Bacteria from fresh apples can end up in your drink if the product is not pasteurized, which can cause food poisoning. The FDA has received reports of unpasteurized cider and other fruit juices causing foodborne illness. Untreated juices and cider can contain bacteria such as salmonella, E. coli, and Cryptosporidium parasites.
Children, older adults, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems can be particularly susceptible to serious illness and even death from drinking unpasteurized cider. Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, fever, headache, and body aches, and usually occur within one to three days of drinking the contaminated juice.
Are most apple ciders pasteurized?
The majority of the juice sold in the U.S. is pasteurized, so most products at your local grocery store are not a concern in that regard. However, some health food stores, cider mills, farmers’ markets, and juice bars may sell juice they made on site that is unpasteurized. Untreated juice is usually sold in the refrigerated section of any market. However, freezing or refrigerating the unpasteurized juice does not remove potential bacteria – only the process of pasteurization does.
How do I know if apple cider is unpasteurized?
Unpasteurized juices that are packaged and sold are required by the FDA to carry a warning label that reads:
WARNING:This product has not been pasteurized and therefore may contain harmful bacteria that can cause serious illness in children, the elderly, and persons with weakened immune systems.
In addition to checking for the label, you should also heed the "best before" date on the packaging and discard it if it’s expired. Apple orchards, cider mills, and farmers’ markets that sell cider by the glass are not required by the FDA to have a warning label on it. In that case, it’s best to ask whether the cider is unpasteurized if you are unsure.
Making your own cider at home?
If you decide to make your own cider at home, the FDA has guidelines. Make sure to wash your hands with soap and warm water for 20 seconds, cut away and damaged or bruised areas of the apples, and wash all the apples thoroughly with running water and dry them with a clean cloth or paper towel to wipe off any residual bacteria. Pregnant people and young children should avoid drinking fresh-squeezed juices at ciders.
Conclusion
The risk of foodborne illness from unpasteurized apple cider is real. Always check for warning labels, heed "best before" dates, and ask if you’re unsure whether cider is unpasteurized. Additionally, make sure to take precautions when making your own cider at home.
FAQs
- Can I drink unpasteurized apple cider?
- No, it is recommended to drink pasteurized apple cider to minimize the risk of foodborne illness.
- What happens if I get food poisoning from drinking unpasteurized apple cider?
- Symptoms may include vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, fever, headache, and body aches. If severe, it may lead to serious illness and even death in vulnerable populations.
- Is most apple cider pasteurized?
- Yes, the majority of juice sold in the U.S. is pasteurized, making most products at your local grocery store a safe option. However, some unpasteurized juice may be available at health food stores, cider mills, farmers’ markets, and juice bars.
- What should I do if I’m unsure if apple cider is unpasteurized?
- Check the label for a warning and heed the "best before" date. If in doubt, ask the seller if the cider is unpasteurized.
