FDA's proposed rule could potentially reduce sugar content in your glasses of orange juice
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has proposed a new regulation to lower the minimum Brix requirement for pasteurized orange juice. This change, if implemented, would lower the amount of sugar in pasteurized orange juice from 10.5 to 10 degrees Brix.
The Brix scale, used to measure the sugar and other dissolved solid content of a liquid, plays a crucial role in the Standard of Identity for juice. This standard, set by the FDA, ensures consumer expectations are met, maintains product consistency, and reflects the natural characteristics of the juice at the time the standard was set.
The proposed change is not just about health concerns, but also to help manufacturers continue to produce orange juice that meets domestic standards due to impacts from severe weather and a bacterial disease on Florida oranges, known as citrus greening disease (huanglongbing).
Natalie Mokari, a dietitian based in Charlotte, North Carolina, believes whole fruit juice can supplement the diet for people with limited mobility in their hands. However, she advises pairing juice with fiber and protein to avoid overconsumption, which is much easier when drinking juice than eating a piece of fruit, according to Dr. Tom Brenna.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) does not recommend juice as the primary source of daily fruit or fluid needs. For children 1 to 6 years old, the AAP recommends limiting fruit juice to no more than 4 to 6 ounces a day. Dr. Mark Corkins, chair of the AAP Committee on Nutrition, recommends including foods such as yogurt, whole grain cereal, whole grain toast with peanut butter, or cheese toast when serving juice to children at breakfast.
Dr. Corkins also notes that many Americans, particularly teens, do not eat enough fruits. He adds that 100% fruit juice can be a way to get some vitamins and minerals if consumed in small volumes.
The public has until November 4 to submit electronic or written comments on this proposed regulation. The AAP does not recommend juice as the primary source of daily fruit or fluid needs, but acknowledges that it can be OK to drink in moderation.
The FDA has over 250 such standards for specific foods, and the Standard of Identity is the reason for the minimum level of sugar for juice. A diet high in fruits and vegetables may reduce your heart and kidney disease risk, according to an unspecified study.
In summary, the minimum sugar level requirement is part of the Standard of Identity to maintain consistent quality and sweetness that consumers expect, prevent mislabeling or misleading products, reflect the natural characteristics of the juice at the time of the standard’s establishment, and support fair industry practices while adapting to agricultural and environmental changes affecting juice sugar content.
- The Brix scale, a measure of sugar and other dissolved solids in liquids, is crucial in the FDA's Standard of Identity for juice, ensuring consumer expectations are met and reflecting the natural characteristics of the juice.
- As a dietitian, Natalie Mokari believes whole fruit juice can be beneficial for individuals with limited mobility, but advises combining it with fiber and protein to avoid overconsumption.
