Spooky season has just dawned, and while apple cider vinegar may be a seasonal favorite for many, health officials have issued a warning against the potential dangers of consuming unpasteurized apple cider.
Per seasonal guidelines from the FDA, bacteria from fresh apples can make their way to the drink if it isn't treated with UV light or heated.
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According to the official FDA website, ingesting unpasteurized apple cider can cause "serious illness or even death" in extreme cases, as a result of the contamination. This is because unpasteurized apple cider vinegar harbors harmful bacteria, such as E.Coli and Salmonella, and parasites such as Cryptosporidium.
Here's all you need to know before consuming unpasteurized apple cider vinegar
Illinois's Ogle County Health Department took to Facebook to elucidate on the health risks that unpasteurized apple cider vinegar poses:
"Apple Cider is a beverage made from fresh apples. It is typically a bit murky and golden-colored because its unfiltered and unpasteurized. Most apple orchards don’t’ take the time to pasteurize because it is not required. Apple cider that has NOT been pasteurized can contain harmful bacteria that can make people sick."
According to the organization, the groups most affected by the product are the following:
1. Infants and young children
2. Pregnant people
3. Older adults
4. People with weakened immune systems
Some symptoms that indicate the person has ingested foodborne bacteria include vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and flu-like symptoms, such as fever, headache, and body aches.
These symptoms will typically present themselves within 1-3 days of ingestion, but they can also manifest as quickly as 20 minutes or as late as 6 weeks after.
It is important to note that most people typically recover fairly quickly from foodborne illnesses, but worst-case scenarios include chronic, severe, or even life-threatening health issues.
The Fulton County Health Department also took to Facebook to warn citizens of the same.
"Make sure to check labels this fall – it’s required to disclaim if the product has been heat treated or not! If you purchase unpasteurized cider from an orchard, CDC recommends boiling it for at least 30 seconds before drinking."
It is important to check unpasteurized products, including apple cider vinegar, for signs, as they typically carry the following warning labels:
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.
However, per the FDA's official website, such warning labels are not required on juice or cider sold in glass jars. These are commonly found at apple orchards, farmers’ markets, roadside stands, juice bars, and some restaurants.
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