NFPA Calls Juice Warning Labels a "Good First Step"

The warning labels that will now be required on unpasteurized juice "are a good first step in alerting consumers that these juices may pose a risk," according to the National Food Processors Association (NFPA). However, "FDA should finish the job and require that all juices be pasteurized or receive an equivalent treatment to ensure their safety," said Rhona Applebaum, NFPA's executive VP for scientific and regulatory affairs.

"The health and safety of all Americans—especially young children—will be placed at risk if FDA does not require that all fruit and vegetable juices be pasteurized or otherwise treated to ensure their safety," Applebaum continued. "Only pasteurization or an equivalent treatment provides the safety step necessary to ensure that juices are free of disease-causing organisms such as E. coli O157: H7."

On September 8, 1998 the FDA's rule on labeling of juice products became effective. The rule requires warning labels on unpasteurized products, to alert consumers that unpasteurized juices can contain bacteria that pose a special risk to certain individuals, particularly children and older Americans; however, the regulations do not require pasteurization or heat treatment for all juices, as NFPA has urged.

Applebaum stated that "FDA's warning label rule should be only a necessary short-term alternative for unpasteurized juices, until pasteurization or an equivalent process is required for all juices. Labeling is not a long-term answer to this food safety issue. Frankly, there is no precedent for FDA allowing a product it cannot assure is pathogen-free to be sold when an effective technology exists to eliminate this problem."