Here’s What the FDA Wishes You Knew About Apple Cider

Why Apple Cider Season is a Favorite for Many

From classic apple pie and apple crisp to flavorful apple bread and tender apple cake, there are many reasons why this time of year is a favorite for many. And what’s a cozy autumn day without a mug of warm apple cider, complete with a cinnamon stick, to dunk an apple cider donut into?

But Have You Heard About the Risks of Unpasteurized Apple Cider?

While apple cider is a staple of fall, there’s been a growing concern about the importance of pasteurization when it comes to this seasonal favorite. So, is apple cider safe to drink? We dug into the details to find out what the FDA wants you to know.

What Is Pasteurization?

Pasteurization is a process of using high heat to kill potentially illness-causing bacteria. While these bacteria may not pose a serious risk for people with strong immune systems, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) warns that people with compromised immune systems may experience serious illness or death from consuming unpasteurized fruit and vegetable juice – including cider.

Why Should Cider Be Pasteurized?

It’s important to understand that cider may be made from apples that are not only still on the tree at the time of picking, but also ones that have fallen onto the ground – called ground-harvested apples. According to the American Cider Association, it is legal in the U.S. for cider to be made from ground-harvested apples, as long as certain conditions are followed.

How Can You Tell If Cider Has Been Pasteurized?

But how can you tell if the cider you’re purchasing has been pasteurized? One easy way is to look for the FDA warning label that is required on all unpasteurized cider. If it doesn’t have the warning label, then it is pasteurized. The warning label will read: 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.

Another way to determine if cider has been pasteurized is by the expiration date. If it is weeks away, it has most likely been pasteurized. If its ‘best by’ date is a few days from when it was produced, it is likely not pasteurized. Generally, pasteurized cider can be refrigerated for four or more weeks, while unpasteurized cider lasts for one to two weeks.

The Bottom Line

Pasteurized cider helps reduce the chances of food-borne illness, or food poisoning, from bacteria that can be left on the apples during processing. There are several ways to know if the cider you’re purchasing has been pasteurized. Read the label of pasteurized ciders and if possible, avoid ones with unnecessary added ingredients, like added flavors, preservatives, and sugar. You can pasteurize fresh apple cider at home, but if food safety is a concern, especially for those with compromised immune systems, it’s better to be safe than sorry and purchase pasteurized apple cider. Refrigerate all types of cider after opening and use it within the recommended time. Above all, enjoy this seasonal beverage with family and friends!

FAQs

What is pasteurization, and why is it important for apple cider?
Pasteurization is a process of using high heat to kill potentially illness-causing bacteria. It is important for apple cider because it helps reduce the risk of food-borne illness and ensures the safety of consumers, especially those with compromised immune systems.
How can I tell if the cider I’m purchasing has been pasteurized?
You can tell if the cider has been pasteurized by looking for the FDA warning label on unpasteurized cider. Another way to determine if it has been pasteurized is by the expiration date. If it is weeks away, it has most likely been pasteurized.
Can I pasteurize fresh apple cider at home?
Yes, you can pasteurize fresh apple cider at home, but it’s not a foolproof method to eliminate all bacteria. It’s recommended to purchase pasteurized apple cider for optimal food safety.
How long does pasteurized cider last after opening?
Pasteurized cider can be refrigerated for four or more weeks after opening. Unpasteurized cider lasts for one to two weeks.

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