Can out-of-date lemon juice make you sick? (+3 Tips)
By
Dr Juliana Davies de Oliveira (PhD)
| Reviewed by
Dr Anny Manrich (PhD)
The contents of this article are fact-based except otherwise stated within the article.
Author bio
Dr Juliana Davies de Oliveira graduated in Biological Sciences with an emphasis on microbiology and immunology. She has a Ph.D. in Biochemical Process Engineering. With more than 15 years of experience, she has expertise in Bioprocess, Fermentation, Industrial Microbiology, Biotechnology, Bioinputs, Biopolymer and Bioinsecticide production and Biosecurity. She writes and reviews content on these topics.
Dr Juliana Davies de Oliveira’s Highlights
- Researcher Consultant at the SENAI Innovation Institute (ISI – SENAI CETIQT) and member of the Internal Biosafety Commission (CIBio) of SENAI CETIQT
- Postdoctoral fellowship at the Catholic University of Brasilia/Brazil in the Postgraduate Program in Genomic Sciences and Biotechnology
- International Experience in Barcelona/Spain – Department of Chemical, Biological and Environmental Engineering at the Autonomous University of Barcelona/Spain.
- Coordinator and technical-scientific responsible for the Laboratory -Platform of Fermentation in Scale Pilot up to 125 L (Catholic University of Brasilia/Brazil)
- Collaborating researcher at the University of Brasilia/Brazil
- PhD and master’s degree in Chemical and Biochemical Process Engineering at the Federal at the University of Rio de Janeiro/Brazil
- Undergraduate professor at Catholic University of Brasilia/Brazil
- Bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences: Microbiology and Immunology at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro/Brazil
Professional profile:
Dr Juliana Davies de Oliveira was a Researcher Consultant for the Biotechnology platform of SENAI CETIQT/SENAI Institute of Innovation in Biosynthetic and Fibers, linked to the fermentation area. In addition, she was a member of the Internal Biosafety Commission (CIBio) of SENAI CETIQT
She played a role in leading the fermentation laboratory, including operational training of equipment; installation of a pilot fermenter at the Catholic University of Brasilia/Brazil.
She additionally was an undergraduate Professor in the Biological Sciences, Pharmacy and General Training courses in Postgraduate Courses (Catholic University of Brasilia/Brazil)
She was a researcher at the University of Brasilia/Brazil.
Besides that, Dr Juliana Davies de Oliveira has done a technical visit to the Autonomous University of Barcelona/Spain
Furthermore, she has experience in reviewing scientific articles at the Brazilian Journal of Microbiology and the Microbial Cell Factories.
Education:
- 2020 – Postdoctoral in Genomic Sciences and Biotechnology at the Catholic University of Brasilia/Brazil
- 2014 – PhD in Chemical and Biochemical Process Engineering at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro/Brazil
- 2010 – Master’s degree in Chemical and Biochemical Process Engineering at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro/Brazil
- 2008 – Bachelor in Biological Sciences (Microbiology and Immunology) at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro/Brazil
Relevant Published work & citations of Dr Juliana Davies de Oliveira
Articles
De Oliveira, Juliana Davies; Carvalho, Lucas Silva; Gomes, Antônio Milton Vieira; Queiroz, Lúcio Rezende; Magalhães, Beatriz Simas; Parachin, Nádia Skorupa. Genetic basis for hyper production of hyaluronic acid in natural and engineered microorganisms. Microbial Cell Factories, v. 15, p. 119-126, 2016.
Oliveira, Juliana D.; Lopes, L. M. A.; Pimenta, Flávia D.; Sérvulo, Eliana F. C. Low Cost Production of Pullulan Obtained From Granulated Sugar and Different Nitrogen Sources. International Journal of Engineering and Technology, v. 15, p. 11-17, 2015.
Oliveira, Juliana D.; Pimenta, Flávia D.; Lopes, Lea M. A.; Sérvulo, Eliana F. C. Rheological Analysis of Biopolymer Produced by Aureobasidium pullulans in Different Sources of Nitrogen. Macromolecular Symposia (Online), v. 319, p. 143-149, 2012.
Patents
De Oliveira, Juliana Davies; Parachin, N. S.; Gomes, A. M. V.; Carvalho, Lucas Silva; Magalhães, B. S. Levedura recombinante da espécie Kluyveromyces lactis para a produção de grandes cadeias de ácido hialurônico. 2016, Brasil. Register number: BR10201602018; Registration institution: INPI – National Institute of Industrial Property. Deposit: 08/31/2016
De oliveira, juliana davies; parachin, nádia skorupa; gomes, a. M. V.; magalhães, b. S.; carvalho, lucas silva. Levedura recombinante da espécie Hansenula polymorpha para a produção de grandes cadeias de ácido hialurônico. 2016, Brasil. Register number: BR10201602019; Registration institution: INPI – National Institute of Industrial Property. Deposit: 08/31/2016.
Book Chapters
Silva, O. B.; Carvalho, Lucas Silva; Almeida, G. C.; Oliveira, Juliana D.; Carmo, T. S.; Parachin, N. S. Biogas – Turning Waste into Clean Energy. In: Angela Faustino Jozala. (Org.). Fermentation Processes. 1ed.Rijeka, Croatia: Intech, 2017, v., p. 161-180.
Carvalho, L.; Silva, O. B.; Almeida, G. C.; Oliveira, Juliana D.; Parachin, N. S.; Carmo, T. S. Production Processes for Monoclonal Antibodies. In: Angela Faustino Jozala. (Org.). Fermentation Processes. 1ed.Rijeka, Croatia: Intech, 2017, v., p. 181-198.
Conference Papers
Oliveira, J. D.; Lopes, L. M. A.; Pimenta, Flávia D.; De Paula, R. C. M.; Sérvulo, Eliana F. C. Avaliação de metodologia para recuperação de pululana livre de melanina. In: 12º Congresso Brasileiro de Polímeros, 2013, Florianópolis. 12º Congresso Brasileiro de Polímeros, 2013.
Oliveira, J. D.; Lopes, L. M. A.; Pimenta, Flávia D.; Sérvulo, Eliana F. C. Produção de pululana em função das concentrações de carbono e nitrogênio. In: XIX Simpósio Nacional de Bioprocessos, 2013, Foz do Iguaçu. XIX Simpósio Nacional de Bioprocessos, 2013.
Oliveira, J. D.; Pimenta, F. D.; Servulo, E. F. C. Produção de pululana a partir de matéria-prima de baixo custo. In: 11º Congresso Brasileiro de Polímeros, 2011, Campos do Jordão/SP. 11º Congresso Brasileiro de Polímeros, 2011. p. 68.
Oliveira, J. D.; Pimenta, F. D.; Servulo, E. F. C. Avaliação reológica do biopolímero produzido por Aureobasidium pullulans em diferentes fontes de nitrogênio. In: 11º Congresso Brasileiro de Polímeros, 2011, Campos do Jordão/SP. 11º Congresso Brasileiro de Polímeros, 2011. p. 19.
Oliveira, J. D.; Pimenta, F. D.; Lopes, L. M. A.; Sarquis, M. I. M.; Servulo, E. F. C. Seleção de estirpe e fonte de nitrogênio para produção de biopolímero a partir de matéria-prima de baixo custo. In: XVII Congresso Brasileiro de Engenharia Química, 2008, Recife. XVII Congresso Brasileiro de Engenharia Química, 2008.
Oliveira, J. D.; Servulo, E. F. C.; Pimenta, F. D.; Lopes, L. M. A. Utilização de matéria prima de baixo custo para produção de biopolímero. In: IV Simpósio de Microbiologia Aplicada, 2009, Rio Claro/SP. Holos Environment – Suplemento 1 – IV Simpósio de Microbiologia Aplicada, 2009. v. 9.
You can view some of Dr Juliana’s work below and links to her professional profile:
Research Gate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Juliana-Oliveira-2/research
Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=G3ZLG84AAAAJ&hl=pt-BR
Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/juliana-davies-de-oliveira-285749197
Reviewer bio
Dr Anny Manrich PhD is a food Engineer with expertise in Food Technology, Natural Polymers, Edible Films, Enzymes, and Nanotechnology. She writes and reviews content on these topics.
Dr Anny Manrich’s Highlights:
- Research and Technology at the Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation
- PhD in Chemical Engineering with a focus on Biochemistry at the Federal University of Sao Carlos/ Brazil and a one-year scholarship at the Technical University of Munich/ Germany
- Bachelor of Food Engineering at the University of Campinas/ Brazil and a one-year scholarship at the Technical University of Munich/ Germany
“To solve a problem, global vision and multifactorial understanding are necessary. Therefore, in addition to expertise, one should seek multidisciplinary thinking connected with science and reality” – Dr Anny Manrich, PhD.
Professional Experience:
Dr Anny Manrich’s Experience Joining the Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation, as soon as she completed her doctorate,
Dr Anny Manrich has worked on several projects, including the more than three-year partnership project with BRF, a major food producer in Brazil. As a postdoctoral fellow.
Dr Anny Manrich has also contributed to several business consultancies and research projects of the National Nanotechnology Laboratory System in areas such as food technology, fibres, films and coatings and Nanotechnology; in a very determined way, having a great team relationship, being creative and committed.
Growing concerns about the safe introduction of nanomaterials into today’s life emphasises the need to create regulatory documentation in front of characterising, using and testing them. Dr Anny Manrich worked for two years on a characterization project for nanoscale materials, with the aim of exploring their possible health effects.
Despite not having specific academic training in packaging or polymeric films, Dr Anny Manrich works at the Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation in areas of edible and biodegradable films produced from agricultural waste and in the development of films with greater resistance to water, having articles published in renowned scientific journals, which demonstrates her multidisciplinary understanding and creativity.
In addition, she worked for four years as a consultant to a food company to develop a line of snacks that are healthy and that add functional ingredients, physiologically active compounds that bring health benefits, made from fruits and vegetables, enabling diet improvement, disease prevention and reduction of nutritional deficiencies.
Dr Anny Manrich participated as a member of the examination board for two Master’s exams and one PhD exam at the Department of Chemical Engineering of the Federal University of São Carlos.
Education:
- 2001 Bachelor in Food Engineering at the State University of Campinas, Brazil
- 1999 One year scholarship at the Technical University of Munich
- 2004 Master in Chemical Engineering at the Federal University of São Carlos, Brazil
- 2012 PhD in Chemical Engineering at the Federal University of São Carlos, Brazil
- 2010 One year scholarship at the Technical University of Munich
The main publications of Dr. Anny Manrich are:
Articles
Manrich, A., Moreira, F. K., Otoni, C. G., Lorevice, M. V., Martins, M. A., & Mattoso, L. H. (2017). Hydrophobic edible films made up of tomato cutin and pectin. Carbohydrate Polymers, 164, 83-91.
Mendes, J. F., Norcino, L. B., Martins, H. H. A., Manrich, A., Otoni, C. G., Carvalho, E. E. N., … & Mattoso, L. H. C. (2020). Correlating emulsion characteristics with the properties of active starch films loaded with lemongrass essential oil. Food Hydrocolloids, 100, 105428.
Norcino, L. B., Mendes, J. F., Natarelli, C. V. L., Manrich, A., Oliveira, J. E., & Mattoso, L. H. C. (2020). Pectin films loaded with copaiba oil nanoemulsions for potential use as bio-based active packaging. Food Hydrocolloids, 106, 105862.
Manrich, Anny, et al. Immobilization of trypsin on chitosan gels: Use of different activation protocols and comparison with other supports. International Journal of Biological Macromolecules 43.1 (2008): 54-61.
Manrich, Anny; Komesu, Andrea ; Adriano, Wellington Sabino; Tardioli, Paulo Waldir ; Giordano, Raquel Lima Camargo . Immobilization and Stabilization of Xylanase by Multipoint Covalent Attachment on Agarose and on Chitosan Supports. Applied Biochemistry and Biotechnology, v. 161, p. 455-467, 2010.
Mendes, J. F., Martins, J. T., Manrich, A., Neto, A. S., Pinheiro, A. C. M., Mattoso, L. H. C., & Martins, M. A. (2019). Development and physical-chemical properties of pectin film reinforced with spent coffee grounds by continuous casting. Carbohydrate polymers, 210, 92-99..
Milessi, T. S., Kopp, W., Rojas, M. J., Manrich, A., Baptista-Neto, A., Tardioli, P. W., … & Giordano, R. L. (2016). Immobilization and stabilization of an endoxylanase from Bacillus subtilis (XynA) for xylooligosaccharides (XOs) production. Catalysis Today, 259, 130-139.
Mendes, J. F., Norcino, L. B., Manrich, A., Pinheiro, A. C. M., Oliveira, J. E., & Mattoso, L. H. C. (2020). Development, physical‐chemical properties, and photodegradation of pectin film reinforced with malt bagasse fibers by continuous casting. Journal of Applied Polymer Science, 137(39), 49178.
Mendes, J. F., Martins, J. T., Manrich, A., Luchesi, B. R., Dantas, A. P. S., Vanderlei, R. M., … & Martins, M. A. (2021). Thermo-physical and mechanical characteristics of composites based on high-density polyethylene (HDPE) e spent coffee grounds (SCG). Journal of Polymers and the Environment, 29, 2888-2900..
Mendes, J. F., Norcino, L. B., Martins, H. H., Manrich, A., Otoni, C. G., Carvalho, E. E. N., … & Mattoso, L. H. C. (2021). Development of quaternary nanocomposites made up of cassava starch, cocoa butter, lemongrass essential oil nanoemulsion, and brewery spent grain fibers. Journal of Food Science, 86(5), 1979-1996.
Manrich, A., Martins, M. A., & Mattoso, L. H. C. (2021). Manufacture and performance of peanut skin cellulose nanocrystals. Scientia Agricola, 79.
Nascimento, V. M., Manrich, A., Tardioli, P. W., de Campos Giordano, R., de Moraes Rocha, G. J., & Giordano, R. D. L. C. (2016). Alkaline pretreatment for practicable production of ethanol and xylooligosaccharides. Bioethanol, 2(1)..
Manrich, Anny, de Oliveira, J. E., Martins, M. A., & Mattoso, L. H. C. Physicochemical and Thermal Characterization of the Spirulina platensis. J. Agric. Sci. Technol. B, v. 10, p. 298-307, 2020.
Book Chapter
Terra, I. A. A., Aoki, P. H., Delezuk, J. A. D. M., Martins, M. A., Manrich, A., Silva, M. J., … & Miranda, P. B. (2022). Técnicas de Caracterização de Polímeros. Nanotecnologia Aplicada a Polímeros, 614.
Conference Papers
Ferreira, L. F., Luvizaro, L. B., Manrich, A., Martins, M. A., Júnior, M. G., & Dias, M. V. (2017). Comparação da estabilidade de suspensões poliméricas de amido/tocoferol e quitosana/tocoferol. In: CONGRESSO BRASILEIRO DE POLÍMEROS, 14., 2017, Águas de Lindóia, SP.
Manrich, A., Hubinger, S. Z., & Paris, E. C. (2017). Citotoxicidade causada por nanomateriais: avaliação do micronúcleo. In: WORKSHOP DA REDE DE NANOTECNOLOGIA APLICADA AO AGRONEGÓCIO, 9., 2017, São Carlos. Anais… São Carlos: Embrapa Instrumentação, 2017. p. 655-658.
Manrich, Anny, et al. Immobilization and Stabilization of Xylanase by multipoint covalent attachment on Glyoxyl Agarose Support. The 31st Symposium on Biotechnology for Fuels and Chemicals. 2009.
Manrich, Anny, et al. Application of immobilized xylanase on hydrolysis of soluble wood hemicelluloses after using microwave and organosolv pre-treatments. The 32nd Symposium on Biotechnology for Fuels and Chemicals. 2010.
You can view some of Dr Anny’s work below and links to her professional profile.
Research Gate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Anny-Manrich-2
Scopus: https://www.scopus.com/authid/detail.uri?authorId=23103497100
Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?hl=en&user=Ea9qpr0AAAAJ
Linkedin: https://br.linkedin.com/in/anny-manrich-20693129
In this article, we will answer the question “Can out-of-date lemon juice make you sick?”, and how to tell If the lemon juice has gone bad?
Can out-of-date lemon juice make you sick?
Yes, consuming out-of-date lemon juice can make you sick if it is spoiled. (1) Though lemon juice has a very low pH due to its high acidity, it can be contaminated by microorganisms..
If you drink spoiled lemon juice, you will experience symptoms of food poisoning. The most common symptoms are diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, and stomach pain. (1)
If the juice has passed its best-by date but it doesn’t have any signs of spoilage, it is safe to consume. So, it is very important to know how to detect if the orange juice is spoiled.
What are the factors that influence lemon juice spoilage?
The main factors that cause lemon juice to spoil are exposure to air, light, room temperature, enzymatic activity, and microbial growth.
The exposure to oxygen triggers the degradation of ascorbic acid and the non-enzymatic browning of lemon juice. (3)
Flavor and color are affected by the degradation of ascorbic acid, and this is the major deteriorative reaction that takes place during the storage of lemon juice. (2)
The microorganisms that can proliferate into lemon juice are the ones that have a high tolerance to acid and those that are osmophilic. (4)
What are the risks of consuming expired lemon juice?
According to the FDA, drinking spoiled lemon juice can cause vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and flu-like symptoms, such as fever, headache, and body aches (5).
Consuming dangerous foodborne bacteria will usually cause illness within 1 to 3 days of eating the contaminated food. (5)
It is also important to note that properly stored and unopened lemon juice is usually safe to consume even after the expiry date, as long as it does not show any signs of spoilage.
How to properly store lemon juice?
Here are some recommendations for properly storing lemon juice:
- An unopened container or unrefrigerated lemon juice should be stored in a cool and dark place away from heat sources like sunlight or a stovetop.
- After opening the container, it must be kept in the fridge with a tight seal.
- Lemon juice that is sold refrigerated should be kept in the fridge at all times and tightly sealed.
- Homemade lemon juice squeezed out of fresh lemons must be placed in the refrigerator to preserve its freshness, and shouldn’t be left sitting out for more than 2 hours. (6)
Can you freeze lemon juice?
Yes, you can freeze lemon juice. Freezing has its own pros and cons. It might deteriorate the quality of juice, but that can be restored almost fully by proper mixing/shaking so the pulp and water unite.
Frozen storage of freshly squeezed lemon juice results in a longer shelf life than refrigerated. However, once thawed, the orange juice has a refrigerated shelf life of 2 months. (7)
Freezing is recommended for long-term storage as frozen orange juice may last up to several months if stored properly.
The best way to defrost the frozen juice is by refrigerating it, but if you thaw it by microwaving it or putting it in lukewarm water try to consume it immediately.
How long does lemon juice last?
The speed at which it degrades depends on whether it is freshly squeezed or purchased and packaged. Fresh juice spoils quicker than bottled juice.
Juice of Fresh Lemons
Freshly squeezed lemon juice can go bad too. If kept refrigerated, freshly squeezed lemon juice lasts for about 6 days and can last for 12 months if frozen (7). Freshly squeezed lemon juice can go bad pretty quickly when left at room temperature.
Bottled Lemon Juice
Because bottled lemon juice is loaded with preservatives, an unopened bottle will last for not more than 12-18 months. As for opened lemon juice, the contents are safe to consume within 2 months. (7)
It is also important to note that properly stored and unopened lemon juice is usually safe to consume even after the expiry date, as long as it does not show any signs of spoilage.
How to tell if lemon juice has gone bad? (3 tips)
To find out if lemon juice is spoiled, you should look at three things: its appearance, its odor, and how it tastes. If it has become dull or darker in color, it should be thrown away. Also, if the scent or flavor has changed considerably, proceed in the same way.
Even though lemon juice is a highly acidic substance, it is susceptible to deterioration and, if left unprotected, degrades rapidly, especially when stored at room temperature. (2)
Some signs of spoiled lemon juice are:
- Color: Lemon juice will become darker due to non-enzymic browning. (5) A noticeable sign of spoilage is spotting clouds of bacteria developing in the juice or a change in color. This can be produced by a bacteria that can grow into an acidic medium called Alicyclobacillus acidoterrestris. (2)
- Smell: The smell is no longer citrusy and fresh, it will smell bitter and yeast-like.
- Taste: When lemon juice begins to spoil, it will lose its citrusy flavor and will taste bitter.
Conclusion
In this article, we answered the question “Can out-of-date lemon juice make you sick?”, and how to tell If the lemon juice has gone bad?
References
- National Library of Medicine. National Center of Biotechnology Information. Fruit Juice Spoilage by Alicyclobacillus: Detection and Control Methods – A Comprehensive Review. Foods. 2022 Mar; 11(5): 747.
- Al-Zubaidy, M. M., & Khalil, R. A. (2007). Kinetic and prediction studies of ascorbic acid degradation in normal and concentrate local lemon juice during storage. Food Chemistry, 101(1), 254-259.
- ROBERTSON, G. L., & SAMANIEGO, M. L. (1986). Effect of Initial Dissolved Oxygen Levels on the Degradation of Ascorbic Acid and the Browning of Lemon Juice during Storage. Journal of Food Science, 51(1), 184-187.
- Aneja, K. R., Dhiman, R., Aggarwal, N. K., & Aneja, A. (2013). Emerging Preservation Techniques for Controlling Spoilage and Pathogenic Microorganisms in Fruit Juices. International Journal of Microbiology, 2014.
- Food and Drug Administration. What you need to know about juice safety.
- Fellers, P.J., Shelf life and quality of freshly squeezed, unpasteurized, polyethylene-bottled citrus juice. Journal of food science: an official publication of the Institute of Food Technologists 1988 v. 53 no. 6 pp.
- United States Department of Agriculture. Food Keeper.
