Why You Might Need to Be Cautious of Drinking Apple Cider During the Fall Season

Mar. 15, 2025

Stock photo of apple cider.Photo: Amy Neunsinger/The Image Bank/Getty Images

Certain people should take a close look at their apple cider before buying it this fall.

Warnings are being issued from health departments and theU.S. Food & Drug Administrationabout unpasteurized juices (meaning they are not heat treated to kill bacteria), which could include some apple ciders.

“Unless the produce or the juice has been pasteurized or otherwise treated to destroy any harmful bacteria, the juice could be contaminated,” the FDA said, noting that these products include bacteria that can cause food poisoning.

Those who are more at risk, such as young children, pregnant people, older adults and those with weakened immune systems, are recommended to avoid unpasteurized foods such as apple cider.

These untreated juices could contain salmonella, e. coli and cryptosporidium parasites. Illness would typically present itself within one to three days of consuming contaminated food..

stock photo of apple cider.Comstock/Getty

Comstock/Getty

Some health officials are even placing warnings on apple cider, among other products that could be unpasteurized. One warning from the Ogle County Health Department in Ill. onFacebook read: “[Apple cider] is typically a bit murky and golden-colored because it’s unfiltered and unpasteurized.”

They added: “Most apple orchards don’t’ take the time to pasteurize because it is not required.”

However,Todayreports that most apple ciders sold in the United States at grocery store are pasteurized.

Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.When purchasing apple cider, consumers should check the labels for this 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.”

stock photo of apple cider.Yulia Naumenko/Getty

Yulia Naumenko/Getty

The FDA also offers guidelines for those looking to prepare their apple cider at home, including how to properly wash and slice apples.

source: people.com