FDA Requests Input on Petition to Amend Standard of Identity for Orange Juice by Lowering Brix Level
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The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a request for information on a citizen petition asking FDA to amend the standard of identity for pasteurized orange juice by lowering the minimum Brix level, which is the minimum soluble solids content requirement.
The citizen petition, filed by the Florida Citrus Processors Association and Florida Citrus Mutual on July 22, 2022, asks FDA to reduce the Brix level from 10.5 percent to 10 percent, citing that the average Brix level of Florida’s orange crop has steadily dropped in recent decades due to a bacterial disease called “citrus greening” and severe weather. Lowering the minimum level of soluble solids might reduce the sweetness of the juice and the levels of certain nutrients.
The 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. FDA is requesting the information to determine whether the standard of identity for pasteurized orange juice should be amended.
Comments must be submitted by October 16, 2023, electronically to Regulations.gov or in via mail to Dockets Management Staff (HFA-305), Food and Drug Administration, 5630 Fishers Lane, Room 1061, Rockville, MD 20852.
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