One of the unfortunate consequences of modern life is that it is can be difficult to find good quality raw fruits and vegetables, and for many busy Americans, finding the time to prepare healthy meals with fresh foods can be even harder. That is part of the reason many consumers have turned to fresh or “raw” juices that are supposedly prepared simply by squeezing the juice out of fruits and vegetables. With “raw” juices, consumers get the health benefits of fresh fruits and vegetables in the convenience of a bottle.
Of course, this assumes that companies selling “raw” juice are actually selling raw, unprocessed juice. Unfortunately, some companies claim to sell “raw” juice when they are really just selling juice processed using High Pressure Pasteurization, or HPP. HPP is a method of preserving and sterilizing food by processing it under very high pressure. While this process may allow companies to keep their juice on the shelf longer, it has the effect of destroying many of the valuable characteristics of raw juice, including enzymes, proteins and Beneficial bacteria.
Companies touting their juice as “raw” or “fresh” but that use HPP include Suja Juice, Blue Print Juice, and Starbucks’ Evolution Fresh.
If you or someone you knows purchases a “raw” or “fresh” juice that was processed using HPP, contact Finkelstein, Blankinship, Frei-Pearson & Garber, LLP to discuss your legal options.