The goal is to benefit U.S. citrus growers and reduce the reliance on foreign oranges for juice production.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced a proposal this week that would update a rule, called the Standard of Identity (SOI), regarding sugar requirements for pasteurized orange juice. The plan would reduce the required minimum of naturally-occurring sugars from 10.5 to 10 percent for “not from concentrate“ orange juice.
The FDA reported that this change will allow “not from concentrate” orange juice companies to rely less on imported oranges and save a total of $50 million per year in expenses.
“For years, we’ve been wasting beautiful American oranges simply due to an outdated regulation, while relying on a high volume of imports, FDA Commissioner Marty Makary said. “Under President Trump’s America First Administration, we’re cutting red tape, helping American farmers, and using common sense to reform a broken system. And orange juice will still taste just as good.”
USDA Secretary Rollins said, “This is a big win for our citrus growers. Florida’s orange growers have faced years of hardships from hurricanes, greening, and burdensome regulations that no longer reflect the realities of today’s crop.”
The proposed rule change is open to public comment until November 4.
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For Secretary Rollins to be led by the Lord as she manages the USDA and its many agencies.
- For discernment for Commissioner Makary as he collaborates with other administration officials on the regulations of food in the U.S.
Sources: Department of Agriculture, CNN, Daily Wire
