Unpasteurized Apple Cider: What You Need to Know Before Enjoying This Fall Favorite

Apple cider season is here, but is your favorite fall drink putting you at risk? Learn about the dangers of unpasteurized cider and how to stay safe.

Fall is synonymous with apple cider, a beloved drink many look forward to as the leaves start to change. However, enjoying this seasonal staple comes with some risks, especially if the cider is unpasteurized. While unpasteurized apple cider may taste fresh and natural, it can carry harmful bacteria that can make you seriously ill. Here’s what you need to know before taking a sip of unpasteurized cider this fall.

What is Unpasteurized Apple Cider?

Apple cider is made from freshly pressed apples, resulting in a cloudy, golden drink that many love. The key difference between pasteurized and unpasteurized cider lies in how it’s treated. Pasteurization is a process that heats the juice to a high temperature, killing any harmful bacteria. Unpasteurized cider, on the other hand, skips this process, which means that any bacteria present in the apples—such as E. coli, Salmonella, or Listeria—can remain in the final product.

A young woman in a yellow sweater holding a glass of apple juice and a fresh apple.

According to the Ogle County Health Department in Illinois, most apple orchards don’t pasteurize their cider because it isn’t required by law. They warn that drinking unpasteurized cider can pose serious health risks.

Health Risks of Unpasteurized Apple Cider

Unpasteurized cider can harbor harmful bacteria that may cause foodborne illness. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises that individuals who consume unpasteurized cider should boil it for at least one minute to eliminate any potential bacteria.

This is particularly important for vulnerable groups who are more at risk of serious illness from foodborne bacteria, including:

  • Children
  • Pregnant women
  • Older adults (age 65 and above)
  • Individuals with weakened immune systems

Symptoms of foodborne illness from contaminated cider can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and in more severe cases, kidney failure or even death.

Where Can You Find Unpasteurized Cider?

While most juices sold in the United States are pasteurized, unpasteurized cider can still be found at certain places, including:

  • Apple orchards
  • Farmers’ markets
  • Cider mills
  • Health food stores
  • Roadside stands
  • Juice bars

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), packaged unpasteurized juices or ciders are required by law to carry a label that warns consumers of the potential health risks. The label typically reads:
“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, the FDA notes that juice or cider sold by the glass, such as at apple orchards or farmers’ markets, is not required to carry this warning label. This makes it crucial for consumers to ask if the product is unpasteurized when purchasing cider in such settings.

How to Stay Safe While Enjoying Cider This Fall

To enjoy your apple cider safely this fall, the Fulton County Health Department in Georgia recommends checking the labels carefully. If you are unsure whether the cider is pasteurized, don’t hesitate to ask the vendor.

For those who prefer unpasteurized cider but want to minimize health risks, boiling the cider for at least one minute before drinking it can effectively kill harmful bacteria. This is particularly important if you belong to a high-risk group, such as children or elderly adults, or if you plan to serve cider to these individuals.

Cider Safety First

Unpasteurized apple cider might seem like a fresh, wholesome choice, but it can pose serious health risks if consumed without proper precautions. Always check for labels or ask vendors directly, and when in doubt, heat your cider before enjoying it. While apple cider is a fall favorite, staying informed and taking simple safety measures can help ensure it’s a healthy treat for everyone.

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