Consumers urged not to drink cider made by Bowens Mills in Michigan

MIDDLEVILLE, MI – State officials are advising consumers not to drink cider produced by Bowens Mills in Middleville due to safety concerns.

According to the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, Bowens Mills operated an unlicensed cider processing facility and sold the cider in violation of Michigan Food Law, PA 92 of 2000.

Observations made by MDARD inspectors on site at the company raised concerns about the safety of the cider. During the investigation, MDARD staff issued a cease and desist order to ensure that no additional product left the premises.

MDARD did not report any contaminants in the cider.

“The licensing and inspection of cider houses and other food establishments helps ensure food safety by identifying potential risks in the handling, processing, bottling and labeling of food products and ensuring that the food establishment takes action to reduce or eliminate these risks, ”a state notice reads.

All cider products manufactured by Bowens Mills are covered by this notice and include:

• Apple cider packaged in plastic gallon jugs, labeled “Bowens Mills Fresh Apple Cider”. The label also reads “Warning: unpasteurized”.
• Apple cider packaged in one gallon plastic jugs, labeled “Bowens Mills Fresh Apple Cider,” labeled as pasteurized.
• Apple cider packaged in plastic half-gallon jugs, labeled “Bowens Mills Fresh Apple Cider,” labeled as pasteurized.

Consumers should throw out this product. If you think that you or a member of your family has become ill after consuming any of these products, please seek medical advice immediately.