WASHINGTON, D.C. (WDNews) – The U.S. Food and Drug Administration and U.S. Department of Agriculture have announced a proposed change to federal standards for pasteurized orange juice in a move aimed at boosting American citrus growers and reducing reliance on imports.
The FDA’s proposed rule would lower the minimum required Brix level, a measure of sugar content, n pasteurized orange juice from 10.5% to 10%, reflecting the natural levels found in U.S.-grown oranges. Officials say the change could save juice manufacturers more than $50 million a year while allowing more American oranges to be used in “not from concentrate” products.
“For years, we’ve been wasting beautiful American oranges simply due to an outdated regulation, while relying on a high volume of imports,” said FDA Commissioner Dr. Marty Makary, M.D., M.P.H. “Under President Trump’s America First Administration, we’re cutting red tape, helping American farmers, and using common sense to reform a broken system.”
U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke L. Rollins called the move a “big win” for growers in Florida and other citrus-producing states, citing years of hardships from hurricanes, citrus greening disease and federal regulations.
Florida Senators Ashley Moody and Rick Scott both praised the proposal, saying it delivers long-awaited relief for growers. Moody credited the action as a key step in advancing her “Defending Domestic Orange Juice Production Act.”
Industry leaders from Florida, Texas, and California also welcomed the change, saying it strengthens the domestic supply chain and keeps American citrus competitive.
The proposal is part of the FDA’s broader review of more than 250 food standards. The agency is accepting public comments on the orange juice rule through Nov. 4, 2025.
