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FDA Lowers Orange Juice Sugar Standard
4 Nov
Summary
- FDA reduced minimum sugar content for orange juice from 10.5 to 10 degrees Brix.
- Citrus greening and weather severely impacted Florida orange crops.
- The change allows up to 15% Mandarin oranges in juice, up from 10%.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) enacted a new standard for pasteurized orange juice, lowering the minimum required sugar content from 10.5 to 10 degrees Brix. This rule, effective August 19, aims to align with current agricultural realities. Farmers have reported that citrus greening and adverse weather, such as hurricanes, have significantly impacted Florida's orange crops, leading to lower natural sugar levels in the fruit.
The agency's decision also increases the allowable percentage of Mandarin oranges and their hybrids in juice blends from 10% to 15%. The FDA stated that these adjustments do not permit the addition of water and are unlikely to significantly alter the juice's nutritional value or taste. This update is intended to support domestic growers and reduce reliance on imported orange juice.
