Why You Might Need to Be Cautious of Drinking Apple Cider During the Fall Season

Some people should take a hard look at their cider before buying it this fall.

Health departments and the US Food and Drug Administration issue warnings about unpasteurized juices (meaning they have not been heat-treated to kill bacteria), which could include some ciders.

“Unless the product or juice has been pasteurized or otherwise treated to destroy harmful bacteria, the juice could be contaminated,” the FDA said, noting that these products contain bacteria that can cause food poisoning.

Those at higher risk, such as young children, pregnant women, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems, are advised to avoid unpasteurized foods such as apple cider.

These untreated juices may contain salmonella eg coli and cryptosporidium parasites. Illness would usually occur within one to three days of consuming contaminated food.

stock photo of cider.

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Some health officials even put warnings on apple cider, among other products, that might be unpasteurized. One warning from the Ogle County Health Department in Ill. on Facebook it read: “[Apple cider] it’s usually a little cloudy and golden in color because it’s unfiltered and unpasteurized.”

They added, “Most apple orchards don’t take the time to pasteurize because it’s not necessary.”

However, Today reports that most apple cider sold in stores in the United States is pasteurized.

Never miss a story — subscribe to PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. When buying apple cider, consumers should check labels for this warning: “This product is unpasteurized and therefore may contain harmful bacteria that can cause serious illness in children, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems.”

It is important to note that the FDA does not require this disclaimer to be placed on every unpasteurized juice sold by the glass, such as markets, restaurants, and apple orchards. Customers should ask if the cider is pasteurized in these cases.

stock photo of cider.

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The FDA also offers guidance for those who want to make apple cider at home, including how to properly wash and slice apples.

Categories: Trends
Source: HIS Education