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U.S. Senators Rick Scott and Ashley Moody, both from Florida, recently introduced the Defending Domestic Orange Juice Production Act. They said the act supports American growers by changing the standard of sugar levels for pasteurized orange juice from a 10.5% Brix standard to 10%. The bill would have the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) make the Brix change.
Currently, oranges below the 10.5% Brix standard cannot be used for not-from-concentrate pasteurized orange juice. The change has been requested because many Florida oranges no longer produce juice that meets the 10.5% Brix requirement.
“Floridians and orange juice aficionados alike love the fresh-squeezed Florida orange juice that our state is known for, and our citrus growers work hard to produce,” said Scott. “Our bill, the Defending Domestic Orange Juice Production Act, will support domestic growers who have faced severe hardship over the past years and ensure federal regulations aren’t working against their success, while preserving the quality of our orange juice for American families to enjoy.”
Moody added: “The Sunshine State is world famous for our fresh-from-Florida orange juice, and many folks in our state depend on this industry being protected for their livelihoods. This legislation would modernize standards to protect citrus growers who have dealt with many hardships over the past several years. I am proud to stand with our great Florida citrus growers and support their hard work that benefits families across our nation.”
In February, U.S. Representatives Scott Franklin and Debbie Wasserman Schultz of Florida reintroduced a House version of the Defending Domestic Orange Juice Production Act. The entire Florida congressional delegation cosponsored the House bill.
In 2022, the Florida Citrus Processors Association and Florida Citrus Mutual filed a citizen petition requesting the FDA revise its Brix requirements for pasteurized orange juice.
Source: U.S. Sen. Rick Scott
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