APPLE lovers should beware as health officials have issued a warning against drinking a popular autumnal drink this fall.
Not all apple cider is safe to drink, according to new guidelines by the Food and Drug Administration.
Health officials have encouraged juice lovers to think twice before sipping on a cup of cider as it might be unpasteurized.
Unpasteurized juices can contain bacteria that cause food poisoning.
When fruits and vegetables are squeezed or eaten raw, harmful bacteria from the produce can contaminate the juice.
“Unless the produce or the juice has been pasteurized or otherwise treated to destroy any harmful bacteria, the juice could be contaminated,” the FDA explained.
The FDA has previously received reports of food poisoning that can be traced back to drinking untreated juice and ciders, which led to the warning.
Most people’s immune systems can fight off the effects of food poisoning, but four groups of people should avoid the risk because it could cause serious illnesses or even death.
Kids, elderly people, pregnant women, and people with weak immune systems should avoid unpasteurized apple cider this fall.
People with weakened immune systems could include transplant patients or people with cancer or diabetes.
Symptoms of foodborne illness include vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, fever, headache, and body aches.
The symptoms usually start within one to three days of drinking the contaminated juice.
Most of the juice sold in America is heat-treated, meaning it’s pasteurized before it hits shelves.
If a drink is unpasteurized, it’s required to have a warning label on its label.
However, the FDA doesn’t require warning labels on drinks that are sold by the glass.
So if you’re a person with a weakened immune system at a restaurant, farmers’ market, or apple orchard, be sure to ask if your glass of apple cider is pasteurized before you enjoy it.
Unpasteurized vs pasteurized apple cider
The FDA has issued a warning against drinking unpasteurized apple cider as it could cause foodborne illness. Here's what to know about the difference between unpasteurized and pasteurized apple cider:
Unpasteurized apple cider:
- Has not been treated to destroy harmful bacteria
- Has a warning label from the FDA unless it’s sold in a glass
- Typically a golden color
- Typically murky
Pasteurized apple cider:
- Has been treated to destroy harmful bacteria
- Typically a brighter color
- Typically has no cloudiness
When buying apple cider in stores, be sure to look out for the warning label to make sure your juice is treated.
Pasteurized drinks are typically sold in multiple sections of a grocery store: the frozen section, refrigerated, or even in non-refrigerated containers like juice boxes.
Unpasteurized drinks are usually kept in the refrigerated section of the store.
Apple cider that’s unfiltered and unpasteurized is typically murky and a golden color, according to the Ogle County Health Department.
Pasteurized apple cider is typically a brighter color and is free of cloudiness.
While the FDA warns to stay away from unpasteurized apple cider, there can still be some benefits to the risky drink.
According to Orchard Hill Estate Cidery. unpasteurized apple cider provides antioxidants and beneficial bacteria for gut and bone health.
If you’re unsure if a juice product is pasteurized or not, the FDA says you should always double-check with whoever is selling the drink.
