FDA sounds warning on untreated juice

The agency said outbreaks of foodborne illness have been traced to drinking fruit and vegetable juice and cider that have not been pasteurized or otherwise treated to kill harmful bacteria.

It urged consumers to look for the warning label to avoid purchasing untreated juices.

“When fruits and vegetables are fresh-squeezed or used raw, bacteria from the produce can end up in your juice or cider. Unless the produce or the juice has been treated to destroy any harmful bacteria, the juice could be contaminated,” ​said the agency.

Most juice sold is pasteurized (heat-treated) or goes through non-heat processes to kill harmful bacteria.

However, some grocery and health food stores, cider mills, farmers' markets, and juice bars sell packaged juice made on site that has not been pasteurized or otherwise processed to ensure its safety. 

These untreated products should be kept under refrigeration and must carry a warning on the label.

However, FDA does not require warning labels on juice or cider that is fresh-squeezed and sold by the glass, such as at apple orchards, farmers' markets, roadside stands, and juice bars.