Government Finally Clarifies How Sweet Grade B Juice Must Be
Published Date: 6/25/2026
Notice
Summary
The USDA just updated the rules for grading orange juice, especially how sweet Grade B pasteurized orange juice needs to be, matching FDA’s standards. This change affects juice makers and sellers by making grading clearer and more consistent, with no big cost impacts expected. The new standards are official as of June 25, 2026, so the juice world can sip with confidence!
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
USDA Aligns Grade B Brix Rule
USDA removed the specific Brix minimums (10.5 for Grade B unsweetened and sweetened pasteurized orange juice) from the U.S. Standards for Grades of Orange Juice and now references the FDA Standard of Identity at 21 CFR 146.140(a). This change is official as of June 25, 2026 and makes grading for pasteurized orange juice consistent with FDA rules.
Florida Producers Avoid Higher Brix Rule
Because USDA will follow the FDA Standard of Identity, Florida orange juice producers (and other producers relying on U.S. OJ Standards) will not be stuck with the older 10.5° Brix minimum if FDA finalizes lowering the minimum to 10.0° Brix. This alignment avoids the risk that Florida producers would face a higher USDA Brix requirement while FDA lowers its standard.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-15718, Tobacco Report: Notice of Request for an Extension of a Currently Approved Information Collection
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, this notice announces the Agricultural Marketing Service's (AMS) intention to request approval from the Office of Management and Budget for an extension and revision of the currently approved information collection, "Tobacco Report" (OMB No. 0581-0004).
2026-15525, Clingstone Peach Diversion Program; Amendment of Program Regulations
This interim final rule amends the regulatory requirements for the Clingstone Peach Diversion Program (Program). The Program is voluntary, consists of payments for peach tree removal, and is implemented under clause (3) of section 32 of the Agricultural Adjustment Act Amendment of 1935, as amended. The Program is expected to reestablish the purchasing power of clingstone peach growers by making payments to such growers to facilitate reductions in peach production capacity. This action will help to align the domestic supply of clingstone peaches with the market demand for those peaches and thus mitigate the economic effects of systemic oversupply. The parameters established herein will ensure that diversion under this Program is not part of a normal tree replacement cycle for orchard rejuvenation. This rule also announces the Agricultural Marketing Service's intention to request approval by the Office of Management and Budget of new information collection requirements necessary to implement the Program.
2026-14918, Grapes Grown in a Designated Area of Southeastern California; Decreased Assessment Rate
Grape growers in southeastern California are set to pay less for their crop assessments, dropping from 3 cents to 2.5 cents per 18-pound lug starting in 2026. This change helps farmers save money while supporting their local grape programs. Comments on this proposal are open until August 24, 2026, so folks have a chance to weigh in!
2026-14927, Spearmint Oil Produced in the Far West; Salable Quantities and Allotment Percentages for the 2026-2027 Marketing Year
Farmers growing spearmint oil in Washington, Idaho, Oregon, Nevada, and Utah will see new limits on how much Class 1 (Scotch) and Class 3 (Native) spearmint oil they can sell during the 2026-2027 season. These changes help balance supply and demand, keeping the market steady and fair. If you’re involved, get ready to follow the new rules starting this marketing year, and don’t forget to share your thoughts by August 24, 2026!
2026-14455, Export Fruit Acts; Notice of Request for Renewal of a Recordkeeping Burden
The USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service wants to keep collecting info from apple and grape exporters to keep things running smoothly under the Export Fruit Acts. This renewal won’t change the rules or costs but helps track exports better. If you’re involved in exporting these fruits, you can share your thoughts by September 15, 2026.
2026-13761, United States Standards for Grades of Carcass Beef
The USDA is thinking about updating how beef carcasses get graded to better match today’s fancy Wagyu genetics and new science on beef tenderness. They want to add more detail to the Prime grade and might drop the old bone-age rule for younger cows. Farmers, meat sellers, and beef lovers should weigh in by September 8, 2026, to help shape these tasty changes!
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-12845, Change In Control: NFE Altamira FLNG, S. de R.L. de C.V.
NFE Altamira FLNG, S. de R.L. de C.V. is changing who’s in charge, which means new leaders will take over the company soon. This change affects the company’s control but doesn’t signal any immediate money shifts or deadlines. Everyone involved should keep an eye out for official updates as the switch happens.
Next: 2026-12847, Double E Pipeline, LLC; Notice of Request Under Blanket Authorization and Establishing Intervention and Protest Deadline
Double E Pipeline, LLC wants to make some changes under their existing permission to operate. This notice tells everyone who might be affected that they can speak up or object by a certain deadline. It’s all about keeping things fair and clear, with no surprise costs or delays expected.