With fall approaching in season, it’s time for apple picking, pumpkin soup, and a good glass of cider. But Illinois health officials issued a caveat to remind citizens that the fermented apple juice drink is not without risk.
The Ogle County Health Department has issued a seasonal health advisory to warn people about the dangers of unpasteurized apple cider, which has the potential to cause “serious illness or even death,” if consumed, according to the Food and Drug Administration.
“Apple cider is a beverage made from fresh apples. It is typically a bit murky and golden-colored because it’s unfiltered and unpasteurized,” the department said in a Facebook post.
“Most apple orchards don’t take the time to pasteurize because it is not required.”
Pasteurization is a process in which beverages, typically milk and fruit juices, are heat treated to eliminate enzymes and bacteria that contribute to food spoilage, including harmful bacteria that can lead to foodborne illness.
In the past, the FDA had received reports of foodborne illness outbreaks, commonly called “food poisoning,” traced to drinking fruit and vegetable juice and cider that has not been treated to kill harmful bacteria.
According to the FDA, most people’s immune systems can usually fight off the effects of foodborne illness. However, children, older adults, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems (including transplant patients and people with HIV/AIDS, cancer, or diabetes) may be at risk of “serious illnesses or even death” from drinking untreated juices.
Most juice sold in the United States has undergone a process to eliminate harmful bacteria, be it through pasteurization or otherwise, according to the FDA. However, freshly squeezed juices sold at health food stores, cider mills, farmers’ markets, and juice bars are made on-site and sold as-is.
The FDA said these untreated drinks should be kept refrigerated, and vendors are required by federal law to disclaim whether the product has been heat treated.
Products that are not are required to carry the following warning label:
“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.”
These warning labels are not required for drinks sold by the glass, such as those sold at apple orchards, farmers’ markets, roadside stands, juice bars, and some restaurants, the health agency added. It further advises consumers to inquire about pasteurization if they are unsure.
Consuming harmful foodborne bacteria usually causes illness within 1 to 3 days of eating the contaminated food, although in extreme cases, sickness is known occur within 20 minutes, or even up to 6 weeks later. Except for unusual cases, most people recover within a short period of time without lasting effects, the FDA said.
People who want to report a complaint, illness, or allergic reaction may do so on the FDA website.