FDA Seeks Comments on Lowering Brix Level in Pasteurized Orange Juice

The FDA has put out a call for input on whether the Brix level (the minimum soluble solids content) in pasteurized orange juice needs to be amended.

The request comes on the heels of a July 22 petition from the Florida Citrus Processors Association and Florida Citrus Mutual asking FDA to decrease the Brix level from 10.5% to 10%, citing a bacterial disease called “citrus greening” and severe weather as lowering the average level over the last couple of decades. Lowering the minimum level of soluble solids might reduce the sweetness of the juice and increase the levels of certain nutrients.

Earlier this year, the Florida Citrus Commission lowered the allowable sugar level in oranges that are used for making juice after growers lost nearly a quarter-billion dollars in citrus crops as a result from Hurricane Ian. It also set an emergency rule lowering the Brix level to 7% for the season, which allowed citrus growers to somewhat rebound from the weather.

FDA’s request for information seeks comment on several areas, including consumer acceptance and nutritional value of pasteurized orange juice with a lower minimum soluble solids content. A change could come based on the comments received as FDA considers whether to amend the level.

Comments are due by October 16, 2023 and can be submitted at regulations.gov. There’s no set timetable for FDA to make its decision.