FDA lowers Brix level standard for pasteurized orange juice

Nearly four years after the initial petition was made by the Florida Citrus Processors Association and Florida Citrus Mutual (FCM), the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a final orange juice (OJ) rule on the standard of identity (SOI). 

According to the updated regulation, Brix requirements for pasteurized OJ will go from 10.5 percent to 10 percent, and the SOI will allow a 15 percent maximum of mandarin/tangerin juice (Citrus reticulata) by volume.

The rule will go into effect on August 19, 2026. 

The 2022 request was followed by another citizen petition submitted by the Florida Department of Citrus, the FCM, and the Juice Products Association. In both instances, the petitioners claimed the 1963 OJ rule was outdated, as the severe impact of citrus greening disease (HLB) and extreme weather events have systematically lowered the Brix levels on Florida citrus, highly restricting the amount of fruit state growers could bring to market. 

The new standard was announced in Lakeland, Florida, on July 17 by US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., and Acting FDA Commissioner Kyle Diamantas. At the event, the former emphasized how the old OJ rule was detrimental to citrus growers across the country and forced the market to rely on imports to meet local demand. 

“We are cutting red tape, saving the industry more than $50 million each year, strengthening American supply chains, and creating a level playing field for US citrus growers,” the HHS authority said at the event. 

“By modernizing outdated regulations, the FDA is eliminating unnecessary barriers so American farmers and manufacturers can thrive, and keeping citrus production where it belongs, right here at home,” added Diamantas.

The citrus industry celebrates the modernization of the OJ rule 

As original proponents of the update, the FCM received the news with excitement.

In a statement, the industry body's President Kevin Koppelman underscored the importance of the OJ rule update for citrus growers in the Sunshine State, who have been battling weather woes and HLB-hit crop declines for decades.  

“Consumer taste and preferences have returned to fresh, wholesome foods. This regulatory change seeks to clear the way for citrus growers to bring more wholesome, vitamin-rich Florida-grown oranges and the state’s iconic orange juice to breakfast tables across America and the world,” he said.

The organization emphasized the economic impact of the Florida citrus industry, which annually generates $6.9 billion and supports more than 32,000 jobs.

Meanwhile, the Florida Department of Citrus explained that this new OJ rule will open up more opportunities for local growers while maintaining the taste, quality, safety and nutritional value of 100 percent orange juice.  

“This decision will strengthen the future of Florida citrus while ensuring consumers continue to enjoy the same high-quality and nutritious 100 percent orange juice they know and love,” said FDOC Executive Director Shannon Shepp.

* All images are referential via Shutterstock.

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