U. S. Food and Drug Administration
FDA Flyer: 1997


Unpasteurized Cider and Juice
Can Contain Bacteria That Make
Children and Some Other People Sick

People in the following high-risk groups should drink only pasteurized cider and juice: Some kinds of juice and cider have not been pasteurized and may contain harmful bacteria. Unpasteurized juice and cider may not be labeled with a statement saying they are unpasteurized and warning of the risk of unpasteurized 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 and farm markets.

Parents of children in day-care centers and schools that serve cider and juice may want to 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 one of the high-risk groups and you cannot determine if a juice product has been processed to destroy harmful bacteria, either don't use the product or bring it to a boil to kill any possible harmful bacteria.


FDA Flyer: 1997



For additional information, see the September/October 1998 FDA Consumer Article: Critical Control for Juice Safety


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Hypertext updated 1998-SEP-31