FDA Warning About Unpasteurized Apple Cider

FDA Warning About Unpasteurized Apple Cider: Know the Risks and How to Stay Safe

What Is Pasteurization?

Pasteurization is a process that uses high heat to kill potentially illness-causing bacteria. While these bacteria may not pose a serious risk for people with strong immune systems, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) warns that people with compromised immune systems may experience serious illness or even death from consuming unpasteurized fruit and vegetable juice, including cider.

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Why Should Cider Be Pasteurized?

It’s crucial to understand that cider can be made from apples that are not only still on the tree at the time of picking but also ones that have fallen onto the ground, known as ground-harvested apples. According to the American Cider Association, it is legal in the U.S. for cider to be made from ground-harvested apples, as long as certain conditions are followed.

When an apple falls to the ground, it will likely gain bumps and bruises, increasing the chance of bacteria and mold entering the fruit. For this reason, two conditions must be met to use ground-harvested apples for cider: quickly harvesting the fallen apples before they rot or animals get to them, and immediately pressing them into cider. Cider made from ground-harvested apples must also be pasteurized.

How Can You Tell If Cider Has Been Pasteurized?

You can determine if cider has been pasteurized by looking for the FDA warning label, which is required on all unpasteurized cider. If it doesn’t have the warning label, it is pasteurized. The warning label will read: 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.

Another way to determine if cider has been pasteurized is by the expiration date. If it is weeks away, it has most likely been pasteurized. If its "best by" date is a few days from when it was produced, it is likely not pasteurized.

You can also make an educated guess based on where you’re buying it. Local cider from small vendors is less likely to have been pasteurized than established brands that carry their products in larger grocery stores. Local cider is usually sold in smaller quantities and has been produced very close to when it is being sold, whereas large-scale production may involve transporting the product over long distances.

Is Heating Cider at Home Effective?

Heating the cider in a double boiler on the stovetop until it reaches about 160°F, then maintaining the temperature for at least 1 minute, can help eliminate some microbes. However, Sims cautions that while heating the cider yourself may be safer than drinking unpasteurized cider, you can’t be completely confident that it will kill all potential bacteria.

The Bottom Line

Pasteurized cider helps reduce the risk of foodborne illness, or food poisoning, from bacteria that can be left on the apples during processing. You can find pasteurized cider in the refrigerated section of the grocery store, or you can make it yourself at home by heating the cider until it reaches a specific temperature. Avoid unpasteurized cider, especially if you’re part of a high-risk group, such as children, the elderly, or those with compromised immune systems.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why is pasteurization important for cider?
A: Pasteurization helps kill potentially illness-causing bacteria, reducing the risk of foodborne illness.

Q: How do I know if cider has been pasteurized?
A: Check for the FDA warning label, which is required on all unpasteurized cider. You can also check the expiration date or the section of the grocery store where it’s stored.

Q: Can I pasteurize cider at home?
A: Yes, you can heat the cider in a double boiler until it reaches a specific temperature. However, this method may not be foolproof and may not eliminate all bacteria.

Q: What are the risks of consuming unpasteurized cider?
A: Unpasteurized cider may contain harmful bacteria that can cause serious illness in children, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems.

Q: How long does pasteurized cider last?
A: Pasteurized cider can be stored in the refrigerator for up to four weeks after opening, while unpasteurized cider typically lasts for only a week or two.

Q: What can I do to stay safe when consuming cider?
A: Choose pasteurized cider, especially if you’re part of a high-risk group. Always check the label, expiration date, and storage location to ensure it’s safe for consumption.