Non-thermal technologies for processing juices approach commercialization. But if FDA mandates pasteurization, will the R&D effort be in vain?
Most refrigerated juice processors avoid the warning label by pasteurizing their products. But pasteurization, like any thermal process, degrades product flavor. Some juice processors prefer to achieve the 5-log reduction through tight sanitation and HACCP, thus retaining full flavor in their products. Others have combined "light" and "ultralight" pasteurization with HACCP to assure 5-log reduction yet minimally impact flavor. Some offer both pasteurized and unpasteurized products. A few even accept the warning label on some products.