Certain people should take a close look at their apple cider before buying it this fall.
Warnings are being issued from health departments and the U.S. Food & Drug Administration about unpasteurized juices (meaning they are not heat treated to kill bacteria), which could include some apple ciders.
“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, noting that these products include bacteria that can cause food poisoning.
Those who are more at risk, such as young children, pregnant people, older adults and those with weakened immune systems, are recommended to avoid unpasteurized foods such as apple cider.
These untreated juices could contain salmonella, e. coli and cryptosporidium parasites. Illness would typically present itself within one to three days of consuming contaminated food..
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Some health officials are even placing warnings on apple cider, among other products that could be unpasteurized. One warning from the Ogle County Health Department in Ill. on Facebook read: “[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.”
However, Today reports that most apple ciders sold in the United States at grocery store are pasteurized.
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When purchasing apple cider, consumers should check the labels 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 important to note that the FDA doesn’t require this disclaimer to be placed on every unpasteurized juice sold by the glass, such as at farmer’s markets, restaurants and apple orchards. Patrons should ask if the cider is pasteurized in those cases.
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The FDA also offers guidelines for those looking to prepare their apple cider at home, including how to properly wash and slice apples.
