THE STATE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT / THE UNIVERSITY OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK / ALBANY, NY 12234

Office for Elementary, Middle, Secondary and Continuing Education
School Operations and Management
Child Nutrition Program Administration
Room 55, Albany, New York 12234-0055
Tel (518) 474-3956 Fax (518) 473-0018
Web address: www.nysed.gov/cn/cnms.htm

                                                                                                                                    August, 2005

 

Unpasteurized Cider and Juice

     The Food and Drug Administration recommends that people in the following high-risk groups should drink only pasteurized cider and juice:

     Some kinds of juice and cider have not been pasteurized and may contain harmful bacteria.  Unpasteurized juice and cider may not be labeled with a statement saying they are unpasteurized and warning of the risk of unpasteurized juice products.

     Frozen concentrate, shelf-stable juice in hermetically sealed containers, and canned juice are processed to eliminate harmful bacteria.  Fresh unpasteurized juices normally are found in the grocers' refrigerated sections. Unpasteurized apple cider may also be found at cider mills and farm markets.

     Parents of children in daycare centers and schools should be advised that unpasteurized juice and cider should not be served as a beverage for class parties.  Children on field trips to cider mills or farm markets should not drink unpasteurized cider.  Schools and daycare centers should only purchase pasteurized products.

     If you or someone in your family is in one of the high-risk groups and you cannot determine if a juice product has been processed to destroy harmful bacteria, either don't use the product or bring it to boil to kill any possible harmful bacteria.