Federal Register #FDA-2022-P-1668

FDA Final Rule: Modernization of Pasteurized Orange Juice Standards

This opportunity summary covers a regulatory update from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) impacting the orange juice industry: - Government Buyer: - Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Department of Health and Human Services - Office of Nutrition and Food Labeling, Human Food Program - Regulatory Change (Not a Procurement): - Final rule amends the standard of identity for pasteurized orange juice - Lowers minimum soluble solids content (Brix) from 10.5° to 10° - Increases allowable Citrus reticulata (mandarin/tangerine) juice content from 10% to 15% by volume - Industry Impact: - Provides manufacturers with greater flexibility in sourcing and blending orange juice - Responds to challenges such as citrus greening disease affecting orange quality - Estimated cost savings for manufacturers: $28.4 to $28.8 million annually over 10 years - OEMs and Vendors: - No specific OEMs or vendors are named; the rule applies broadly to all orange juice manufacturers - Products/Services: - No products or services are being procured; this is a regulatory change - Unique Requirements: - Manufacturers may use lower-Brix oranges and a higher percentage of Citrus reticulata juice - No new restrictions imposed; maintains product quality and consumer expectations - Effective date for compliance is set, with enforcement discretion until then

Description

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is issuing a final rule to amend the standard of identity for pasteurized orange juice by lowering the minimum orange juice soluble solids content from 10.5° to 10° Brix and permitting up to 15 percent Citrus reticulata juice or Citrus reticulata hybrid juice, by volume. This final rule modernizes the pasteurized orange juice standard and responds to two citizen petitions from Florida citrus industry groups. The rule provides manufacturers with greater flexibility in production without imposing new restrictions and is effective August 19, 2026. Estimated cost savings for manufacturers are approximately $28.4 to $28.8 million annually over 10 years due to the added flexibility.

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