Federal Register #AMSSC250057

USDA Revises Orange Juice Grade Standards to Align with FDA

The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) of the Department of Agriculture is revising the U.S. Standards for Grades of Orange Juice to align with FDA standards. - Government Buyer: - Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) - No OEMs or vendors are involved, as this is a regulatory update, not a procurement action - Products/Services Requested: - No products or services are being requested or procured - Notable Requirements: - Updates Grade B Brix allowances for Pasteurized Orange Juice (POJ) to reference FDA's Standard of Identity - Removes minimum Brix values for Grade B unsweetened and sweetened POJ - Incorporates FDA regulations to ensure consistency between USDA and FDA standards - Aims to prevent economic hardship and industry disruption, especially in Florida - Change follows public comments supporting alignment with FDA standards

Description

The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is revising the U.S. Standards for Grades of Orange Juice by updating the limits for Grade B Brix allowances in Pasteurized Orange Juice to reference the Food and Drug Administration's Standard of Identity for Pasteurized Orange Juice. This revision removes the existing Brix minimums for Grade B unsweetened and sweetened Pasteurized Orange Juice and incorporates the FDA's regulations to ensure consistency between USDA and FDA standards. The change aims to prevent discrepancies that could cause economic hardship and disruption in the orange juice industry, particularly in Florida. The revision follows public comments supporting the alignment with FDA standards and addresses concerns about potential impacts on taste and nutritional quality.

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