Apple cider warning: Health officials urge consumers to be careful with fall treat

Apple cider has become synonymous with the start of fall, but health officials are warning consumers that drinking the cozy beverage is not without risk.

The Ogle County Health Department in Illinois , for instance, 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 U.S. 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."

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Posted by Ogle County Health Department on Tuesday, September 17, 2024

Any juice, or cider that is not pasteurized, or "heat-treated," may contain harmful bacteria from the fresh-squeezed or raw fruits and vegetables used to make it, according to the FDA. That bacteria could lead to foodborne illness.

Children, older adults, pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems are more susceptible to the effects of food poisoning. These groups of people risk "serious illness or even death from drinking untreated juices," the FDA said.

California outbreaks connected with unpasteurized apple cider

In 2017, seven people in northern California were sickened by unpasteurized apple cider contaminated with E. coli

In 2015, there were 13 confirmed cases of E. coli poisoning were linked to unpasteurized apple juice from an orchard near Placerville.

Most, but not all, juice sold is pasteurized, FDA says

The FDA has received reports of foodborne illness outbreaks tied to the consumption of fruit and vegetable juice, and cider, but the agency notes that "most of the juice sold in the United States is pasteurized or is subject to non-heat processes to kill harmful bacteria."

All "untreated" juice products should be refrigerated and have warning label that says: " 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. "

But the FDA does not require warning labels for juice or cider sold "by the glass," which can typically be found at apple orchards, farmers’ markets, roadside stands, juice bars, and some restaurants.

The FDA recommends consumers who intend to purchase juice or cider from grocery stores, cider mills, or farmers’ markets this fall to look for the warning label and "ask if you are unsure."

Anyone who thinks they have consumed contaminated juice, or cider can report it here .

This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Apple cider warning: Health officials urge consumers to be careful with fall treat