LAKELAND, Fla. – Florida’s citrus growers and industry leaders today joined U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., and U.S. Food and Drug Administration Acting Commissioner Kyle Diamantas at Bonnet Springs Park in Lakeland for the Administration’s announcement of a final rule to modernize the standard for what qualifies as orange juice. The regulatory change lowers the minimum Brix requirement, a measure of the natural sugar content and soluble solids in pasteurized orange juice, from 10.5% to 10%.
Florida Citrus Mutual (FCM) first petitioned for this change in June 2022. Following the announcement, FCM released the following statements:
“We applaud the Administration for modernizing the standard of identity for orange juice, which is especially significant for growers as challenges from freezes, hurricanes and citrus greening have naturally changed Florida’s citrus crop since the regulation was initially set in 1963,” said Kevin Koppelman, board president of Florida Citrus Mutual. “Consumer taste and preferences have returned to fresh, wholesome foods. This regulatory change seeks to clear the way for citrus growers to bring more wholesome, vitamin-rich Florida-grown oranges and the state’s iconic orange juice to breakfast tables across America and the world.”
“Florida’s citrus growers have advocated for years to modernize the standard of identity for orange juice, and we are thrilled to see this effort come to fruition. This regulatory change is a win-win, helping growers bring more fruit to market and ensuring consumers can reap the benefits of nutrient-rich Florida oranges and orange juice,” said Matt Joyner, executive vice president and CEO of Florida Citrus Mutual. “We’re extraordinarily grateful to Secretary Kennedy, Acting Commissioner Diamantas, members of Florida’s Congressional delegation and Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson for their support. Bringing this regulatory change across the finish line would not be possible without the unwavering leadership of Representatives Scott Franklin, Kat Cammack, Laurel Lee, Debbie Wasserman Schultz, Darren Soto and Senators Ashley Moody and Rick Scott, whose dedication was instrumental to seeing this effort through.”
Citrus greening disease, hurricanes and freezes have stressed tree health, slightly lowering the natural sugars in Florida’s orange crop. Modernizing the regulation will allow the state’s growers to bring more oranges to market while maintaining the taste and nutritional benefits of orange juice that consumers enjoy.
Despite the challenges that Florida’s citrus industry has faced with hurricanes, freezes and the impacts of citrus greening, it remains an iconic symbol of the Sunshine State. The industry generates an annual economic impact of $6.9 billion and supports more than 32,000 jobs. Floridians rely on this industry to support our food supply, national security, green spaces and local jobs.
The final rule, 21 CFR Part 146, will be published and take effect on Monday, July 20, 2026.
Provided by Florida Citrus Mutual