As autumn arrives, apple cider is a popular drink, but health experts caution that it may pose health risks.

The Ogle County Health Department in Illinois has released a seasonal health notice highlighting the risks associated with unpasteurized apple cider, which can result in “serious illness or even death” if consumed, as stated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

“Apple cider is made from fresh apples and often appears murky and golden due to being unfiltered and unpasteurized,” the department explained in a Facebook update. “Many apple orchards skip pasteurization as it’s not mandatory.”

According to the FDA, any juice or cider that hasn’t been pasteurized or “heat-treated” may harbor harmful bacteria from the raw fruits and vegetables used, which could lead to foodborne illnesses.

Children, older persons, pregnant women, and individuals with weakened immune systems are at a higher risk for food poisoning, facing “serious illness or potentially fatal outcomes from untreated juices,” the FDA cautioned.

Most Fruit Juices Sold are Pasteurized, States FDA

The FDA has documented foodborne illness outbreaks linked to fruit and vegetable juices and cider; however, they also mention that “most juice available in the U.S. is either pasteurized or treated by non-heat methods to eliminate harmful bacteria.”

All “untreated” juices should be refrigerated and must have a label warning that states: “WARNING: This product has not been pasteurized and may contain harmful bacteria that could cause severe illness in children, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems.”

However, the FDA does not mandate warning labels for juice or cider sold “by the glass,” commonly available at apple orchards, farmers markets, roadside vendors, juice bars, and some restaurants.

The FDA advises consumers planning to buy juice or cider from supermarkets, cider mills, or farmers’ markets this fall to check for the warning label and “inquire if you’re uncertain.”