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.
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