WASHINGTON — It's finally fall, which means pumpkin spice , falling leaves and apple cider. But a number of health departments are warning about a hidden danger that could be associated with some apple cider. Unpasteurized apple cider can cause "serious illness or even death" because of bacterial contamination, according to the U.
S. Food and Drug Administration. While most apple cider sold at grocery stores across the U.
S. is pasteurized, or treated with heat, to kill harmful bacteria, apple orchards aren't required to do so, according to the Ogle County Health Department in Illinois. "Apple cider .
.. is typically a bit murky and golden- colored because its unfiltered and unpasteurized," Ogle County's warning, posted to Facebook, reads.
"Most apple orchards don’t take the time to pasteurize because it is not required." The Fulton County (IL.) health department shared a similar warning on Facebook : "Apple cider is a seasonal favorite, but when left unpasteurized, it can pose a risk of foodborne illness.
" Non-pasteurized drinks such as apple cider should be kept refrigerated to avoid bacterial growth. How to tell if my apple cider is unpasteurized The FDA requires all untreated products to have a warning label on them. To see whether your apple cider is unpasteurized, check for the following warning on the label: WARNING: This product has not been pasteurized and therefore may contain harmful bacteria that can cause serious illness in children, the elderly, and persons wit.
