Congressman Scott Franklin (FL-18) today applauded the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) proposed rule to revise the Brix standard for not‑from‑concentrate pasteurized orange juice from 10.5% to 10%. This long‑sought change will directly benefit Florida’s citrus industry. The commonsense adjustment, championed by Franklin, would provide critical regulatory relief to growers who have faced years of unprecedented challenges.
“I’m thrilled to see the FDA support Florida citrus growers by revising the outdated Brix standard,” said Congressman Franklin. “This is a major win for Florida’s iconic industry and a direct result of bipartisan efforts to cut red tape. Updating this long‑standing regulation will give growers needed flexibility to survive and thrive in the face of devastating storms, citrus greening and unfair foreign competition.”
“This proposal is an important step forward for Florida’s citrus growers and reflects years of hard work by our industry to push for this change,” said Matt Joyner, CEO of Florida Citrus Mutual. “We appreciate Congressman Franklin’s leadership and support, which will give growers more flexibility to address citrus greening, recover from severe weather and keep Florida citrus competitive in the marketplace.”
The current federal Brix standard is an outdated requirement dictating the minimum sugar or solids content of orange juice sold as “not‑from‑concentrate.” Current regulations require a minimum Brix level of 10.5%, meaning large volumes of Florida‑grown oranges cannot be used for premium juice products despite being safe, healthy and flavorful. These otherwise usable crops are redirected to lower‑value markets, harming grower profitability and increasing reliance on imported fruit.
“The FDA’s action reflects what we have been saying all along. Bureaucratic hurdles should not stand in the way of Florida’s comeback,” Franklin added. “Adjusting the Brix standard preserves product quality, expands the use of domestic fruit and helps keep costs down for families without changing what they expect in their orange juice.”
The FDA’s proposed action comes after years of advocacy and pressure by Congressman Franklin and Florida citrus industry. Franklin led the charge to revise the federal Brix first by introducing the Defending Domestic Orange Juice Production Act with Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL), in March 2023. The bill directed the FDA to adjust the Brix standard for not‑from‑concentrate pasteurized orange juice from 10.5% to 10%. The bill was reintroduced in February 2025 with the support of entire FL congressional delegation. In September 2024, Congressman Franklin also worked to build public support from Floridians by authoring a column in Florida’s largest newspaper, the Tampa Bay Times.
In 2022, Florida Citrus Mutual and Florida Citrus Processors Association filed their citizen petition (Docket No. FDA 2022 P 1668) requesting the FDA lower the minimum Brix level from 10.5% to 10% also helped lay the groundwork for this rule.
The proposed rule will undergo a 90‑day public comment period before being finalized. Franklin pledged to continue working with Florida growers and industry partners to ensure the change is swiftly implemented.
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