The Dangers of Unpasteurized Juices
Health Warnings
Apple cider is a quintessential fall treat, but health experts recommend taking one quick step before you tip back a glass with your favorite foods. Health departments have been issuing seasonal advisories based on guidelines from the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) about avoiding unpasteurized juices, which can contain bacteria that cause food poisoning.
The Dangers of Unpasteurized Juices
The FDA has received reports over the years related to unpasteurized cider and other fruit juices that have caused foodborne illness, generally referred to as food poisoning. Untreated juices and cider can contain bacteria such as salmonella, E. coli, and Cryptosporidium parasites.
Symptoms
Symptoms of food poisoning can include vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, fever, headache, and body aches, and they usually occur within one to three days of drinking the contaminated juice. 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.
Are Most Apple Ciders Pasteurized?
The majority of the juice sold in the U.S. is pasteurized, so most of the 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 unpasteurized juice that was made on site.
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 as follows: "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." You should also check for the "best before" date on the packaging and discard it if it’s expired.
Making Apple Cider at Home
If you decide to make your own cider at home after a day of apple picking, make sure to wash your hands with soap and warm water for 20 seconds and cut away and damaged or bruised areas of the apples. Also, make sure to 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, per the FDA.
Conclusion
In conclusion, apple cider is a delicious fall treat, but it is important to take steps to ensure that it is safely consumed. By following proper guidelines and checking for the warning label, you can enjoy your apple cider while minimizing the risk of food poisoning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the symptoms of food poisoning from drinking unpasteurized juice?
A: Symptoms of food poisoning can include vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, fever, headache, and body aches.
Q: Who is most at risk for serious illness and death from drinking unpasteurized juice?
A: Children, older adults, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems are most at risk.
Q: How do I know if apple cider is unpasteurized?
A: Check for 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."
Q: Can I still make apple cider at home?
A: Yes, but make sure to wash your hands and cut away and damaged or bruised areas of the apples before making the cider. Also, wash all the apples thoroughly with running water and dry them with a clean cloth or paper towel before making the cider. Pregnant people and young children should avoid drinking fresh-squeezed juices at ciders.
