The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced a reduction in the federal standard for the amount of natural sugar required in pasteurized orange juice. The minimum level of natural sugar has been lowered from 10.5% to 10%, a change that officials believe will benefit the Florida orange juice industry. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. made the announcement alongside Florida legislators, stating that the new regulation reflects current growing conditions in Florida, where citrus crops have been affected by climate change and pests.
Florida's citrus industry has faced challenges, including a decline in sweetness due to environmental factors, leading to increased imports to meet previous FDA standards. The change is expected to help domestic producers, as Florida's citrus industry contributes approximately $7 billion to the state's economy and employs around 30,000 people. The announcement follows a series of adverse weather events and diseases that have impacted citrus production in the state.
Senator Ashley Moody, who initially proposed the change, emphasized the importance of prioritizing American agriculture. The Department of Agriculture reported a production of 12.9 million boxes of oranges for the 2025-2026 season, a 5% increase from the previous year but significantly lower than historical averages. The FDA's Acting Director, Kyle Diamantas, noted that the updated rule aims to support domestic growers who have struggled to meet outdated requirements.