Published reports indicate that over 95% of the juice consumed by Americans each year is pasteurized. However, because pasteurized and unpasteurized juice may look and taste the same, you may not know if the juice you buy and serve is pasteurized or not.

Foodborne illness outbreaks associated with unpasteurized apple and orange juices have sickened hundreds and have even proven fatal for a few. These outbreaks fall on the heels of outbreaks linked to alfalfa sprouts and other raw foods. They are reminders that certain foods, while good sources of nutrients, are more likely than others to be contaminated with dangerous bacteria. In the case of unpasteurized juices, there are healthy, yet safe, alternatives.

Why should certain facilities be concerned?

While all people are at risk for foodborne illness, some groups of individuals are at greater risk for developing more severe symptoms. These "high-risk groups" include: young children; senior citizens; pregnant women; and people with weakened immune systems.

Many facilities cater to or serve one or more of these high-risk groups and should, therefore, be cautious about what food they choose to serve. While a small outbreak of salmonellosis or E. coli infection may go unnoticed in the general population, the same outbreak can very easily lead to life-threatening health conditions in a higher-risk population.

Do we have to serve pasteurized juice?

No. You may still serve unpasteurized juice. If you do, however, new Washington State regulations require that you notify consumers. The public (or your facility or institution's population) has the right to choose alternatives.

How do you know if the juice you serve is safe?

No food is 100% safe. However, pasteurized juices are the safest available, because the pasteurization process eliminates bacterial contamination.

Again, it is not always obvious by looking at a container whether the juice has been pasteurized or not. Current federal regulations require unpasteurized juice sold at retail markets to display a warning label. However, unpasteurized juices distributed to facilities and institutions may not be labeled or otherwise identified. Also, many pasteurized juices are not labeled.

If the juice you receive or purchase is not labeled, do not assume it is pasteurized. Ask your supplier or the juice manufacturer to be sure.