Health departments across the country are warning consumers to check the label before indulging in a popular fall drink: apple cider. While it may seem like a typical fall treat, not all apple cider is safe to drink, and one important detail can help you avoid food poisoning.
Health experts remind consumers that unpasteurized apple cider can pose a risk of serious illness, especially for children, older adults, pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has issued seasonal advisories about the potential dangers of unpasteurized juices, which can contain harmful bacteria.
The risks of unpasteurized cider
Unpasteurized apple cider has been linked to several foodborne illness outbreaks in recent years. In 2017, seven people in Northern California became ill after consuming unpasteurized cider contaminated with E. coli. Two years earlier, an orchard near Placerville, California, was linked to 13 confirmed cases of E. coli infections linked to unpasteurized apple juice. These outbreaks highlight the dangers associated with untreated juices, which can contain bacteria such as the parasites E. coli, Salmonella and Cryptosporidium.
Pasteurization, a process that uses heat or ultraviolet light to kill harmful bacteria, is an important step in making apple cider safe for consumption. Without pasteurization, fresh apples used in cider production can carry bacteria from the orchard to the glass, especially if the fruit is damaged or improperly washed.
According to the FDA, symptoms of foodborne illness from unpasteurized juices can include vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, fever and body aches. These symptoms usually appear within one to three days after consuming the contaminated drink, although in some cases they can take up to six weeks to manifest. In severe cases, especially in vulnerable populations, the disease can lead to serious complications or even death.
How to identify safe cider
Most juice and cider sold in American supermarkets is pasteurized, making it safe for general consumption. However, untreated cider is often found at farmers markets, cider mills, health food stores and juice bars. Untreated cider is typically sold in the refrigerated section and may not always be labeled as unpasteurized.
The FDA requires that all packaged, unpasteurized juices carry a clear warning label: “WARNING: This product is not pasteurized and therefore may contain harmful bacteria that can cause serious illness in children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems.”
However, cider sold by the glass at places such as farmers markets or apple orchards does not have to carry this label. Consumers should ask whether the cider has been pasteurized before purchasing it to ensure its safety.
Guidelines for making cider at home
For those who plan to make their own apple cider at home after a day of apple picking, the FDA recommends following strict hygiene practices. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water before handling apples, and make sure to wash the apples under running water before juicing them. Avoid using apples that are damaged or bruised as these may harbor more bacteria.
If you are serving cider to pregnant women, young children, or anyone with a weakened immune system, it is safest to use pasteurized apples or to heat the cider itself to kill any bacteria.
The urge for more consciousness
Some health officials, such as those at the Ogle County Health Department in Illinois, have issued warnings at the start of the fall season, reminding residents to use caution when purchasing or consuming unpasteurized apple cider. According to their advice, “Apple cider is a drink made from fresh apples. It is typically cloudy and golden in color because it is unfiltered and unpasteurized. Most apple orchards don’t take the time to pasteurize because it’s not necessary.”
Although unpasteurized cider is often marketed as a “natural” or traditional product, health experts emphasize that the potential risks far outweigh the perceived benefits, especially for vulnerable populations.
So, as you enjoy the flavors of fall, don’t forget to take a moment to check the label on your apple cider or ask suppliers about its pasteurization status. Taking this simple step can help prevent serious foodborne illness and ensure that you and your family can safely enjoy the season’s treats.
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