Health Canada Warns Against Drinking Unpasteurized Cider and Fruit Juices
By Amanda Brodhagen, Farms.com
Well, it’s that time of year again – apple cider. With this in mind, Health Canada is warning consumers not to consume unpasteurized cider or other fruit juices as unpasteurized fruit drinks can sometimes be contaminated with salmonella and E. coli.
Unpasteurized cider can be commonly found at farmers markets, orchards, cider mills and roadside stands. In order for juice to be considered safe to drink, the pasteurization process must occur. This process uses heat or ultraviolet light that kills microorganisms that could make you sick. Drinking unpasteurized juices is a concern for vulnerable groups of the population like pregnant women, older adults and people with a weakened immune system.