Fresh, raw, and pasteurized: ask the right question

Fresh describes a product differently from pasteurized. If you need to know whether juice has been treated to reduce harmful bacteria, ask that question directly instead of treating “fresh” as the answer.

The FDA warns that untreated juice can carry harmful bacteria and poses particular risks for some people. A cold bottle, attractive color, or recent preparation date is not a substitute for knowing how it was handled and treated.

Read the package and ask the seller if the treatment information is unclear. This guide does not decide whether a particular bottle is appropriate for you. It gives you the question to bring to the maker. If you are choosing juice for a person with higher food-safety risk, follow relevant professional guidance rather than a brand's flavor story.