Office of Governor Gary Locke
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - July 15, 1999
Contact:  Governor's Communications Office, 360-902-4136

Locke takes action to protect against unpasteurized juice

SEATTLE — To protect consumers against serious illness from unpasteurized fruit juices, Gov. Gary Locke today directed the State Board of Health to draw up rules to prevent establishments from serving contaminated fruit juices to unsuspecting customers.

"I want Washington consumers to know what they're buying," Locke said today. "As consumers, we should know the risks of buying products that could make us sick."

Currently, businesses such as restaurants, hotels or concession stands can purchase and serve unpasteurized fruit juices. Such products that do not undergo pasteurization can contain harmful bacteria that can result in serious illness. Locke said consumers have no way of knowing whether certain prepared products contain juice that has not been pasteurized.

"This action will make it mandatory for establishments to inform customers if they serve unpasteurized fruit juices," Locke said. "Consumers need to make their own choices. But this step will at least give them the information they need to make wise choices."

"Anytime you drink unpasteurized juice, you're putting yourself at risk for contracting harmful bacteria," said Dr. Maxine Hayes, acting state health officer with the Department of Health. "We've seen more than 200 illnesses linked to consumption of raw juice in the last three years, and many others probably went unreported. This proposal will allow consumers to choose whether they want to take that risk."

» Return to this month's News Releases

» View News Release Archive