Unpasterized Cider and Juice

Some kinds of juice and cider have not been pasteurized and may contain harmful bacteria that can make children and older or immune-compromised people sick. Unpasteurized juice and cider MAY NOT be labeled with a statement stating they are unpasteurized and warning of the risk of unpasteurized juice.

High risk groups, including people with weakened immune systems, children and older adults should drink only pasteurized cider or juice.

Frozen concentrate, shelf-stable juice in hermetically sealed containers, and canned juice are processed to eliminate harmful bacteria. Fresh unpasteurized juices normally are found in the groceries’ refrigerated sections. Unpasteurized apple cider may also be found at cider mills, farmer’s markets, and health food stores.

Parents of children in day-care centers and schools that serve cider and juice should ask if the products are pasteurized. Children on field trips to apple cider mills or farm markets should not drink unpasteurized cider.

If you or someone in your family is in a high-risk group and you cannot determine if a juice product has been processed to destroy harmful bacteria, don’t drink it or bring it to a boil to kill any possible harmful bacteria before drinking.

Resources:

• FDA Publication “Unpasteurized Cider and Juice Can Contain Bacteria That Make Children and Some Other People Sick”, 1997.
• Iowa State University Extension Publication, Apple Cider Processing. Reducing Risk of E. coli. 1997 http://www.exnet.iastate.edu/Publications/PM1701.pdf

Material written by Mary Abgrall and Scottie Misner, May 1998.
Part of Food Safety Tips, College of Agriculture, The University of Arizona
Document located at http://ag.arizona.edu/pubs/health/foodsafety/az1087.html
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