USDA Finalizes Changes to Orange Juice Grading Standards

On June 25, 2026, the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) posted a final notice regarding its rulemaking on orange juice grading standards. The notice confirms the adoption of changes initially proposed in an interim final rule released in November 2025. These changes align with the FDA's standards, particularly concerning the minimum Brix content for Grade B pasteurized orange juice.

In August 2025, the FDA released a proposed rule to lower the required minimum Brix content for orange juice. At that time, then-FDA Commissioner Marty Makary commented on the need for the change, citing the waste of American oranges under the existing regulation. Following this, the USDA issued an interim final rule on November 18, 2025, which took effect immediately but allowed for a 60-day public comment period.

The final notice addressed five comments received during the public comment period. Three of these comments supported the revision of the Grade B Brix allowances, while one was deemed non-responsive to the interim final notice. The fifth comment raised concerns about potential impacts on the taste and nutritional quality of orange juice, which the USDA responded to by stating that the FDA believes these changes will have minimal effect in these areas.

The AMS will publish the revised standards on its grades and standards webpage. Instead of setting its own Brix value, the AMS will now direct stakeholders to the FDA's standards outlined in 21 C.F.R. 146.140(a).

This move represents a significant regulatory alignment between USDA and FDA standards for orange juice, aimed at reducing waste and ensuring consistency in grading practices.