APPLE lovers should beware as health officials have issued a warning against drinking a popular autumnal drink this fall. Not all apple cider is safe to drink, according to new guidelines by the F ood and Drug Administration . Health officials have encouraged juice lovers to think twice before sipping on a cup of cider as it might be unpasteurized.
Unpasteurized juices can contain bacteria that cause food poisoning. When fruits and vegetables are squeezed or eaten raw, harmful bacteria from the produce can contaminate the juice. "Unless the produce or the juice has been pasteurized or otherwise treated to destroy any harmful bacteria, the juice could be contaminated," the FDA explained.
READ MORE FOOD WARNINGS The FDA has previously received reports of food poisoning that can be traced back to drinking untreated juice and ciders, which led to the warning. Most people's immune systems can fight off the effects of food poisoning, but four groups of people should avoid the risk because it could cause serious illnesses or even death. Kids, elderly people, pregnant women, and people with weak immune systems should avoid unpasteurized apple cider this fall.
People with weakened immune systems could include transplant patients or people with cancer or diabetes. Most read in Health Symptoms of foodborne illness include vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, fever, headache, and body aches. The symptoms usually start within one to three days of drinking the contaminated juice.
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