The Dangers of Drinking Improperly Processed Cider and Juice

 Posted on October 28, 2024 in Food Poisoning

Apple cider is a favorite fall drink for many, and juice is popular year-round. These drinks must be processed correctly to kill harmful bacteria that may be present. Untreated juices can cause foodborne illnesses and are particularly dangerous to young children, pregnant women, mature adults, and those with weak immune systems.

If you became ill due to drinking unpasteurized or improperly treated juices or cider, you may be entitled to compensation. Few attorneys have the focused knowledge required to handle these cases effectively, but the lawyers from Newland & Newland, LLP do. Call now for your free consultation.

Unpasteurized Beverages

Although pasteurization is not required, unpasteurized cider and other juices should remain refrigerated. These drinks must also have a label warning consumers about the lack of pasteurization, which is a process using heat to kill bacteria and prolong shelf life. If you purchase unpasteurized cider or other drinks, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that you boil them for one minute or longer before consumption.  

A California company recently pulled some of its juice products from retail shelves because of incomplete High-Pressure Processing treatment. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration classified this recall as Class II, which indicates the second-highest risk category. Some of these products may have been distributed in Illinois and include Happy Moose Tropical Roots, Strawberry Field, Focus Carrot Digest, and Watermelon Hydration juices.

Illnesses That Can Result From Unpasteurized Beverages

Foodborne illnesses can cause extreme discomfort and risk. Drinking improperly treated beverages can expose consumers to:

• Listeria
• Salmonella
• Cryptosporidium
• E. coli

Symptoms associated with these and other foodborne illnesses include:

• Dehydration
• Fever
• Watery or bloody diarrhea
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Stomach cramps
• Lack of appetite
• Muscle aches
• Premature delivery, miscarriage, or stillbirth
• Headaches
• UTIs
• Pneumonia or other respiratory conditions

Victims may require medical treatment and time away from work. More severe cases can lead to more intensive losses and life-threatening conditions. If you suffer from a foodborne illness, you may be able to collect damages for your related losses.

Damages in Food Poisoning Cases

When you choose Newland & Newland, LLP, we will investigate your circumstances to establish liability and calculate your damages, which are funds you could receive for your eligible losses, including:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Replacement services
• Pain and suffering
• Inconvenience
• Lost ability to enjoy life

If you believe you became ill by consuming an unsafe beverage, seek medical attention promptly. Your next call should be to our firm to schedule your free consultation. The faster you act, the sooner we can begin collecting evidence and building your case.

Call Our Focused Illinois Foodborne Illness Lawyer Now

You should not have to pay for the suffering you endure and the expenses you incur from a foodborne illness. Call Newland & Newland, LLP today at 312-981-0409 for your free consultation with our knowledgeable Illinois food poisoning attorneys.