FDA Orange Juice Standards Are Changing Under RFK Jr.
Summary
The FDA is lowering the required sugar content standard for pasteurized orange juice from 10.5% to 10% Brix to help U.S. citrus growers and juice makers cope with crop losses from disease and bad weather. This change aims to reduce costs and supply problems without significantly changing the juice's taste or nutrition.Key Facts
- The FDA’s new rule lowers the minimum sugar content in pasteurized orange juice from 10.5% to 10% Brix.
- Brix measures the amount of natural sugars and other solids in juice.
- This is the first update to the standard since 1963.
- The USDA has updated its grading standards to match the FDA’s new standard.
- The update helps juice producers use more domestic fruit without needing imports from countries like Brazil.
- The rule may reduce production costs and ease supply shortages that caused orange juice prices to rise.
- The FDA also raised the allowed amount of certain citrus varieties (like mandarins and tangerines) in orange juice from 10% to 15%.
- Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. will officially announce this change in Florida, where citrus growers have faced disease and storm damage.
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