FDA Encourages Juice Safety This Fall

SILVER SPRING, Md., Sept. 21 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- As fall arrives, so does the apple season and fresh apple cider.  Unfortunately, serious outbreaks of foodborne illness have been traced to drinking fruit and vegetable juices and cider that have not been processed to kill harmful bacteria.  Consumers are being reminded this fall to read the labels carefully on juice or cider products they purchase.

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Juices provide many essential nutrients, but consuming certain types of juice can pose health risks to your family. When fruits and vegetables are fresh-squeezed to produce juice, bacteria that may be present on the inside or the outside of the produce can become part of the finished product.  Unless the produce or juice has been processed to destroy any harmful bacteria, the juice could be contaminated.  While most people's immune systems can usually fight off the effects of foodborne illness, children, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems risk serious illnesses or even death from drinking juice that has not been processed to ensure its safety.

Most of the juice sold in the United States is pasteurized (heat-treated) to kill harmful bacteria. Juice products may also be treated by non-heat processes for the same purpose.  However, some grocery stores, health food stores, cider mills, and farm markets sell packaged juice that was made on site that has not been pasteurized or otherwise processed to ensure its safety.  These untreated products should be kept under refrigeration and are required to carry the following warning on the label regarding people who are at risk for foodborne illness:

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.

FDA does not require warning labels for juice or cider that is fresh-squeezed and sold by the glass, such as at apple orchards, farm markets, roadside stands, or in some restaurants or juice bars.  Pregnant women and young children should avoid all juice that has not been pasteurized or otherwise processed to ensure the safety of the product.  If you or someone in your family is at risk for foodborne illness, and you cannot determine if a juice has been processed to destroy harmful bacteria, either do not drink it or bring it to a boil to kill any harmful bacteria that may be present.  

Two Simple Steps to Juice Safety: If you are pregnant, have young children, or are caring for someone who is elderly or has a weakened immune system, take these two simple steps to protect your family.

1. Always Read the Label

Look for the warning label to avoid the purchase of juice that has not been pasteurized to ensure its safety.  In particular, look for the warning label on any packaged juice product that may have been made at the site of sale, such as at some grocery and health food stores, cider mills, or farm markets.

2. When in Doubt, Ask!

Always ask if you are unsure if a juice product is pasteurized or otherwise processed to ensure its safety.  Pasteurized juice is normally found in your grocers' frozen or refrigerated food cases or in non-refrigerated shelf-stable containers, such as juice boxes, bottles, or cans. Do not hesitate to ask if the labeling is unclear or if the juice or cider is sold by the glass.

Foodborne Illness: Be Aware of the Symptoms

Consuming dangerous foodborne bacteria will usually cause illness within one to three days of eating the contaminated food.  However, sickness can also occur within 20 minutes or up to six weeks later.  Foodborne illness may also be confused with other types of illnesses.

Symptoms of foodborne illness may include: vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and flu-like symptoms, such as fever, headache, and body ache.  If you or your family experiences these symptoms, see a health care professional who can properly diagnose foodborne illness and prescribe the best treatment.

For more information see www.fda.gov or contact 1-888-SAFEFOOD.

SOURCE U.S. Food and Drug Administration