*Health departments and the U.S. Food & Drug Administration are warning consumers to be cautious when purchasing apple cider this fall, particularly unpasteurized varieties that haven’t been heat-treated to kill harmful bacteria.
As PEOPLE reports, unpasteurized apple cider may contain dangerous pathogens like salmonella, E. coli, and cryptosporidium, posing a higher risk to young children, pregnant individuals, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems. Illness from contaminated cider can occur within one to three days after consumption, and some health officials are placing warnings on these products.
“Unless the produce or the juice has been pasteurized or otherwise treated to destroy any harmful bacteria, the juice could be contaminated,” the FDA said.
Per PEOPLE, a warning from the Ogle County Health Department in Ill. on Facebook states: “[Apple cider] is typically a bit murky and golden-colored because it’s unfiltered and unpasteurized.”
They added: “Most apple orchards don’t’ take the time to pasteurize because it is not required.”
Consumers are urged to check the labels of apple cider for this 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.”
It’s worth noting that the FDA doesn’t mandate this warning on all unpasteurized juices sold by the glass at places like farmers markets, restaurants, or apple orchards. In such cases, customers should inquire whether the cider has been pasteurized.
Unpasteurized juices may bacteria that can cause food poisoning, the FDA warns.
According to Today, most apple ciders sold at grocery stores in the U.S. are pasteurized.
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