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Beware: Fall Treats Could Pose Serious Health Risks, Warns FDA

Source link : https://usa-news.biz/2024/10/03/news/beware-fall-treats-could-pose-serious-health-risks-warns-fda/

Dangers​ of Unpasteurized‌ Apple ‌Cider: How to ‍Stay Safe

Every year, around 128,000 people are hospitalized and 3,000 die from preventable foodborne illnesses. Among the risky foods is unpasteurized apple cider, ⁣which can pose serious health threats to certain demographics. Here’s ⁣what you need to know‌ to keep⁤ yourself and your loved ones safe this fall.

Health Hazards of ⁢Unpasteurized Apple Cider

For many people, apple ​cider has become‌ a symbol​ of the autumn season. ⁣However, health ⁣officials are cautioning consumers about the potential risks associated with drinking unpasteurized apple cider. The Ogle County Health Department ⁢in Illinois ​recently issued a health advisory regarding this issue, warning that​ consuming unpasteurized apple cider could lead to severe⁢ illness⁣ or even death.

What Makes Unpasteurized ⁢Apple Cider Unsafe?

Unfiltered and unpasteurized apple cider has‍ a murky appearance‌ due‍ to the lack of heat treatment⁤ during production. As a result, it may contain harmful bacteria from the fresh apples used in its making‍ process. ⁤This bacterium presents an increased risk for foodborne ⁢illness among ‌certain groups such as children, older adults, pregnant women and individuals with ‌weakened immune systems.

– What fall treats ​could​ pose serious health risks, according to the FDA?

Beware: Fall Treats Could Pose Serious Health Risks, Warns FDA

As the​ days get shorter and ⁣the temperatures start to drop,⁣ many of us look ⁣forward to‌ indulging in the delicious fall treats that come with the season. ⁢From pumpkin spice‍ lattes to caramel‍ apples, there’s no shortage of tempting treats to⁤ satisfy our​ autumn cravings. However, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)​ is warning consumers to be ​cautious when enjoying these seasonal delights, as some of them could pose serious health risks if not handled and⁢ consumed ⁢properly.

The FDA⁤ is particularly concerned about the safety of certain fall⁣ treats⁣ due to⁣ the potential for foodborne illnesses ⁢and ‍allergic reactions. According to the agency, the ‍following treats are of particular concern:

Caramel Apples: While‍ these sweet and crunchy treats are a staple of fall festivals and gatherings, they have​ been linked to several outbreaks of foodborne illness in recent⁢ years. The combination of a sticky ⁣caramel coating and a whole apple can provide an ideal environment ​for bacteria to grow​ if⁤ not properly handled and stored.Pumpkin Spice Lattes and Other Beverages: Warm, comforting, and full of seasonal flavors, fall beverages like pumpkin spice lattes and apple cider‍ are beloved by many.⁣ However, if not prepared and stored safely, they can become ‌breeding grounds for harmful bacteria and pose a risk of foodborne ⁤illness.Homemade Baked ⁣Goods: From apple pies to pumpkin bread, homemade baked goods are‍ a beloved part of fall tradition. However, if not prepared with proper hygiene and food safety‌ measures in mind, they can lead to foodborne illness, particularly if they ⁤contain ingredients such ​as raw ‌eggs or ⁢unpasteurized⁤ dairy products.

To ensure that you ‍and your loved ones can enjoy fall treats⁤ without putting your⁢ health at risk, it’s important to take certain​ precautions. The FDA recommends the following tips for safely enjoying⁣ fall ​treats:

Wash Your Hands: Before handling any food, be sure to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water to ⁤prevent the ⁢spread of harmful bacteria.Store Treats Properly: ⁤Keep perishable ‌treats like caramel apples ⁣and baked goods in the refrigerator to prevent‌ bacterial growth. If they have been left out at ⁢room‌ temperature for more than​ two hours, it’s best to discard them to avoid the risk of foodborne illness.Use Safe Ingredients: When preparing homemade treats, ​be sure to ‌use safe​ ingredients, such as ‌pasteurized⁣ eggs and dairy products, to reduce the ⁤risk of‍ foodborne illness.Be Allergy-Aware:⁢ If⁢ you or

Regulation and Safety Labels

Although many juice products available for purchase have ​undergone pasteurization⁣ or non-heat processes that eliminate harmful ⁤bacteria, ‍not all consumers may be⁢ aware ⁣of whether their ​fresh juice or cider is safe for ⁤consumption. Products lacking pasteurization ‌should‍ come ⁣with refrigeration instructions and a warning label highlighting potential⁢ hazards for vulnerable populations.

Unfortunately, FDA regulations do not require warning labels on individual servings sold at venues ‍like⁢ apple orchards or farmers’ markets ⁣where fresh ⁤juice may be sold without clear information regarding safety ⁢standards.

Protecting Yourself and‌ Your Family

For​ those planning to buy juice or cider this​ fall from⁣ various⁣ sources including grocery stores or farmers’ markets it’s crucial they check for appropriate warning labels before purchasing any product in doubt. When ⁢in doubt about the‍ safety⁤ status of any fruit or vegetable juices purchased​ you’re welcome ​ report it directly on-line here (replace ‘report it here’ hyperlink).

By exercising caution when selecting apple cider products this⁢ season we can mitigate the risk of foodborne illnesses linked to contaminated juices while preserving our favorite fall tradition safely.

The post Beware: Fall Treats Could Pose Serious Health Risks, Warns FDA first appeared on USA NEWS.

Author : Jean-Pierre CHALLOT

Publish date : 2024-10-04 00:02:36

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