US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner Dr. Marty Makary has announced plans to modernize the standard of identity for pasteurized orange juice, aiming to support American citrus growers. The proposed rule would reduce the minimum required Brix level from 10.5 percent to 10 percent, aligning with the natural sugar content of American oranges.
The change is expected to save orange juice manufacturers over $50 million annually and reduce reliance on imported oranges. FDA Commissioner Makary stated that “we’re cutting red tape, helping American farmers, and using common sense to reform a broken system.” This move aims to benefit domestic growers, who have faced challenges due to severe weather and other factors.
The proposed rule is part of the FDA’s broader effort to review more than 250 standards of identity. The agency will accept public comments through November 4, 2025. The change is unlikely to affect the taste of pasteurized orange juice, according to the FDA.
Source: https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-commissioner-makary-usda-secretary-rollins-celebrate-proposed-modernization-orange-juice