FDA cautions consumers about
untreated juices
In the wake of continuing reports of
serious outbreaks of food borne illness
traced to drinking untreated juices, US’
Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has
been warning consumers on the dangers of
drinking fruit and vegetable juices that
have not been treated to kill harmful
bacteria. It may be noted that while most
people's immune systems can usually fight
off the effects of food borne illness,
children, the elderly and people with
weakened immune systems face a threat of
serious illnesses or even death from
drinking untreated juices. In fact, since
1999, the FDA has required juice
manufacturers to place warning
information about the health risks of
drinking untreated juice or cider on
product containers. Such products are
required to label carrying a warning, which
reads, 'This product has not been
pasteurised and therefore, may contain
harmful bacteria that can cause serious
illness in children, the elderly, and persons
with weakened immune systems.' However,
FDA does not require warning labels for
juices that are fresh-squeezed and sold by
the glass.
