Health departments warn consumers about apple cider safety this fall

Health departments across the country are cautioning consumers to check the label before indulging in a popular fall beverage: apple cider. While it may seem like a quintessential fall treat, not all apple cider is safe to drink, and one key detail can help you avoid food poisoning.

Health experts are reminding consumers that unpasteurized apple cider can pose a risk of serious illness, particularly 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 may harbor 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 fell ill after consuming unpasteurized cider contaminated with E. coli. Two years earlier, an orchard near Placerville, California, was tied 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 E. coli, Salmonella and Cryptosporidium parasites.

Pasteurization, a process that uses heat or ultraviolet light to kill harmful bacteria, is a key 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 has been 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 of consuming the contaminated beverage, though in some cases, they may take up to six weeks to manifest. In severe cases, especially in vulnerable populations, the illness can lead to serious complications or even death.

How to identify safe cider
Most juice and cider sold in U.S. grocery stores is pasteurized, which makes 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 all packaged, unpasteurized juices to carry a clear 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.”

However, cider sold by the glass at places like farmers’ markets or apple orchards is not required to carry this label. Consumers should ask if the cider has been pasteurized before purchasing it to ensure its safety.

Guidelines for home cider-making
For those planning to make their own apple cider at home after a day of apple picking, the FDA recommends following strict hygiene practices. Wash hands thoroughly with soap and warm water before handling apples, and ensure the apples are washed under running water before juicing. Avoid using apples that are damaged or bruised, as they 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 yourself to kill any potential bacteria.

The push for greater awareness
Some health officials, such as those in Illinois’ Ogle County Health Department, have issued warnings as the fall season kicks off, reminding residents to be cautious when purchasing or consuming unpasteurized apple cider. According to their advisory, “Apple cider is a beverage made from fresh apples. It is typically murky and golden-colored because it’s unfiltered and unpasteurized. Most apple orchards don’t take the time to pasteurize because it is not required.”

While unpasteurized cider is often marketed as a “natural” or traditional product, health experts stress that the potential risks far outweigh any perceived benefits, particularly for vulnerable populations.

So, as you enjoy the flavors of fall, remember to take a moment to check the label on your apple cider or ask vendors about its pasteurization status. Taking this simple step can help prevent serious foodborne illness and ensure that you and your family can enjoy the season’s treats safely.

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