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CNN
20 hours ago
- Health
- CNN
Your orange juice may soon have a little less sugar, if FDA rule is enacted
The orange juice at grocery stores could have a little bit less sugar if a proposed regulation goes into effect. The US Food and Drug Administration proposed a new regulation on Tuesday that would lower the minimum Brix requirement, which measures the sugar and other dissolved solid content of a liquid. The change would drop the amount of sugar in pasteurized orange juice from 10.5 to 10 degrees Brix, according to the FDA. For example, if a 100-gram sample of a liquid was made up of 50 grams of water and 50 grams of sugars and other dissolved solids –– such as pectin, organic acids and amino acids –– then the liquid would be 50 degrees on the Brix scale, according to the Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. Why even have a minimum level of sugar for juice? It is part of the Standard of Identity, which the FDA set so that when customers buy pasteurized orange juice, they know what to expect from the taste, ingredients and manufacturing, according to a statement from the agency, which has over 250 such standards for specific foods. Orange juice, and other fruit juices, have been criticized for being a big source of sugars, but the change is not just for health concerns. Over the past few decades, severe weather and a bacterial disease have impacted Florida oranges, the statement said. A lower Brix minimum would make it easier for manufacturers to continue to produce orange juice that meets the domestic standards instead of importing from abroad. The change likely won't impact the taste or nutrients very much, the FDA said. The next step on the possible regulation isn't until November 4, when electronic or written comments from the public are due. Even if there is a little less sugar, should people avoid drinking juice altogether? The American Academy of Pediatrics, or AAP, recommends that caregivers don't give any fruit juice to infants under 12 months. For children 1 to 6 years old, the association recommends limiting fruit juice to no more than 4 to 6 ounces a day. Even without any added sugar, juicing fruit tends to lead to a high concentration of natural sugars and loses fiber and some other nutrients, said Dr. Tom Brenna, professor of pediatrics, human nutrition and chemistry at Dell Medical School of the University of Texas at Austin. Overconsuming is also much easier when drinking juice than eating a piece of fruit, he added. The sugar content is an especially important consideration for people who have diabetes, prediabetes or elevated blood sugars, said Charlotte, North Carolina-based dietitian Natalie Mokari. 'Whole fruits are better. You get the fiber, which is a nutrient, and you get more vitamins and minerals,' said Dr. Mark Corkins, chair of the AAP Committee on Nutrition and professor of pediatrics at the University of Tennessee Health Sciences Center in Memphis. While the AAP does not recommend juice, it can be OK to drink it in moderation, Corkins said. Even whole fruit juice shouldn't be used to completely substitute anyone's daily fruit or fluid needs, he said, but it can help supplement if needed. Many Americans, particularly teens, do not eat enough fruits, and 100% fruit juice can be a way to get some vitamins and minerals if consumed in small volumes, he added. And for people with limited mobility in their hands, peeling an orange or cutting an apple might not always be possible, in which case whole fruit juice may help supplement their diet, Mokari said. She recommended using small glasses when drinking juice. It is hard to feel satisfied when you have a giant glass and only filled it a quarter of the way, she said. And try to pair it with fiber and protein, she advised. If your kids want juice at breakfast, Mokari recommends including foods such as yogurt with a whole grain cereal, whole grain toast with peanut butter or even cheese toast. But the best option is always to have the whole fruit instead of juice, Corkins said. Sign up for CNN's Eat, But Better: Mediterranean Style. Our eight-part guide shows you a delicious expert-backed eating lifestyle that will boost your health for life.
3 days ago
- Health
Would a new FDA proposal change the taste of orange juice? What to know
Orange juice is a breakfast staple in many American households, but a new proposal to lower the minimum sugar content outlined in current federal guidance could bring a change to the popular beverage. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced Tuesday that it had proposed a rule to amend "the over 60-year-old Standard of Identity for pasteurized orange juice" and lower the minimum standard sugar content by 0.5%. The agency claimed the proposal would "promote honesty and fair dealing for consumers" and "provide flexibility to the food industry." The proposed amendment would specifically seek to reduce the minimum Brix requirement -- "a measurement that indicates the sugar content of a liquid," according to the FDA -- from 10.5% to 10%. The announcement comes in the wake of a petition submitted by the Florida Citrus Processors Association and Florida Citrus Mutual in 2022, the agency added. That petition, filed in July 2022, stated that since 2005, orange trees in the Sunshine State had been increasingly infected by something called citrus greening disease, or huanglongbing, a bacterial infection of citrus plants that " degrades" the fruit and eventually kills the tree itself, according to the Agricultural Research Service, a research agency within the U.S. Department of Agriculture. According to the industry petition, the spread of citrus greening disease, combined with "substantial severe weather," had damaged the state's orange groves, resulting in lower crop production and affecting "normal fruit sugar content." "The FDA's pasteurized orange juice standard of identity, when originally promulgated in 1963, was carefully constructed to reflect the qualities of U.S. oranges," the petition stated. "It should now be updated to align with the properties of the modern U.S. crop. Without these changes, manufacturers of finished pasteurized orange juice products must increasingly rely on higher Brix imported juice to meet or exceed the U.S. minimum Brix for pasteurized orange juice." In its announcement Wednesday, the FDA reiterated those points, noting that "the Brix level for Florida oranges" had been "steadily declining over the past few decades" due to the factors outlined in the 2022 petition. "Proposing to update the SOI for pasteurized orange juice reflects the FDA's efforts to strategically update and modernize food standards by better aligning this standard with current agricultural norms and providing greater production flexibility, while maintaining the basic nature and essential characteristics of the product," the agency stated. While the lower sugar content standard may have some concerned about the sweetness of their orange juice, the agency noted that the less than 1% difference is "unlikely to affect the taste of orange juice and will have minimum impact on the nutrients found in orange juice." For those looking for a healthier swap for their morning OJ fix, the USDA states that " at least half" of a person's daily recommended amount of fruit should come from nutrient-dense whole fruit, rather than 100% fruit juice, as whole fruit is higher in fiber. As ABC News medical correspondent Dr. Darien Sutton told "Good Morning America" previously, whole fruits "break down more slowly in the body," which "leads to less spikes in your blood glucose, that leads to less spikes in your insulin."
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
FDA proposes lowering minimum standard sugar content for orange juice
Orange juice is a breakfast staple in many American households, but a new proposal to lower the minimum sugar content outlined in current federal guidance could bring a change to the popular beverage. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced Tuesday that it had proposed a rule to amend "the over 60-year-old Standard of Identity for pasteurized orange juice" and lower the minimum standard sugar content by 0.5%. The agency claimed the proposal would "promote honesty and fair dealing for consumers" and "provide flexibility to the food industry." The proposed amendment would specifically seek to reduce the minimum Brix requirement -- "a measurement that indicates the sugar content of a liquid," according to the FDA -- from 10.5% to 10%. The announcement comes in the wake of a petition submitted by the Florida Citrus Processors Association and Florida Citrus Mutual in 2022, the agency added. Could other fruits be added to orange juice amid orange shortages? That petition, filed in July 2022, stated that since 2005, orange trees in the Sunshine State had been increasingly infected by something called citrus greening disease, or huanglongbing, a bacterial infection of citrus plants that "degrades" the fruit and eventually kills the tree itself, according to the Agricultural Research Service, a research agency within the U.S. Department of Agriculture. According to the industry petition, the spread of citrus greening disease, combined with "substantial severe weather," had damaged the state's orange groves, resulting in lower crop production and affecting "normal fruit sugar content." "The FDA's pasteurized orange juice standard of identity, when originally promulgated in 1963, was carefully constructed to reflect the qualities of U.S. oranges," the petition stated. "It should now be updated to align with the properties of the modern U.S. crop. Without these changes, manufacturers of finished pasteurized orange juice products must increasingly rely on higher Brix imported juice to meet or exceed the U.S. minimum Brix for pasteurized orange juice." In its announcement Wednesday, the FDA reiterated those points, noting that "the Brix level for Florida oranges" had been "steadily declining over the past few decades" due to the factors outlined in the 2022 petition. "Proposing to update the SOI for pasteurized orange juice reflects the FDA's efforts to strategically update and modernize food standards by better aligning this standard with current agricultural norms and providing greater production flexibility, while maintaining the basic nature and essential characteristics of the product," the agency stated. Drinking 100% fruit juice linked to weight gain in kids; doctor suggests alternatives While the lower sugar content standard may have some concerned about the sweetness of their orange juice, the agency noted that the less than 1% difference is "unlikely to affect the taste of orange juice and will have minimum impact on the nutrients found in orange juice." For those looking for a healthier swap for their morning OJ fix, the USDA states that "at least half" of a person's daily recommended amount of fruit should come from nutrient-dense whole fruit, rather than 100% fruit juice, as whole fruit is higher in fiber. As ABC News medical correspondent Dr. Darien Sutton told "Good Morning America" previously, whole fruits "break down more slowly in the body," which "leads to less spikes in your blood glucose, that leads to less spikes in your insulin." Solve the daily Crossword
Time of India
30-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Meghalaya pineapple fest in Delhi from Aug 1
1 2 Guwahati: The third edition of the Meghalaya Pineapple Fest is set to take centre stage in the national capital from August 1 to 3 at the iconic Dilli Haat. It offers Delhiites a vibrant blend of tropical sweetness, cultural heritage, and soulful music straight from the hills of Meghalaya. The fest, organised by the Meghalaya govt, celebrates the state's flagship fruit — the pineapple — alongside its rich crafts, indigenous flavours, and grassroots talent. According to a state govt statement, the fest will showcase the naturally organic Kew pineapples with high Brix value, as well as folk-infused performances curated under the Chief Minister's Meghalaya Grassroots Music Program (CM-MGMP). This will be held at the ceremonial axis of New Delhi, the India Gate, offering a diverse experience of Meghalaya's rich music and culture like never before. Over 30,000 farmers grow pineapples naturally, through the intervention of self-help groups (SHGs) that ensure quality and traceability.
Yahoo
23-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Brix Holdings acquired by Friendly's franchisee
This story was originally published on Restaurant Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Restaurant Dive newsletter. Dive Brief: Legacy Brands International, an investment group led by Friendly's franchisee Amol Kohli, is acquiring Brix Holding Company, the parent company of Friendly's and several other brands, the companies announced Tuesday. Kohli will assume the position of board chair at Brix, while CEO Sherif Mityas will remain in place along with the current leadership team, according to the press release. Existing Brix ownership will continue involvement with the company and become investors in Legacy Brands. Brix will continue growing its brands, which also include Clean Juice, Orange Leaf, Red Mango, Smoothie Factory + Kitchen, Souper Salad, and Humble Donut, and will pursue further acquisitions. Dive Insight: Kohli owns more than 30 Friendly's locations on the East Coast, a significant portion both of Friendly's store system — which was about 100 units as of mid-2024 — and Brix's roughly 250-unit storebase across all its brands. According to the press release, Kohli's operational experience could help with the expansion of Brix. Backed by Legacy Brands, Brix is pursuing immediate growth for Friendly's in Georgia, the Carolinas and Texas — where Brix is headquartered. The press release states that Brix's brands have had a successful run over the last year. 'The company had positive same-store systemwide sales comps in 2024 and is showing continued momentum across its portfolio of brands heading into the second half of this year.' Last year, Mityas told Restaurant Dive that Friendly's sales success in recent quarters was driven by menu changes, significant brand loyalty and a restrained pricing approach. At the time, Mityas said Brix was offering franchising discounts to persuade existing franchisees to build new units and to draw new operators into the system. According to the press release, Brix has awarded eight new franchise agreements so far this year, though the company did not specify which brands had awarded those agreements. Brand acquisitions by franchisees have become a trend in restaurant mergers and acquisitions in recent years. Thrive Restaurant Group bought out Modern Market Eatery last year after signing a major franchising agreement with the brand. Sun Holdings, a Burger King franchisee, has built up a multi-brand platform in other restaurant segments and recently acquired Uncle Julio's. Earlier this year, two franchisees bought a significant chunk of Hooter's storebase during Chapter 11 proceedings and also assumed responsibility for much of the brand's franchisee support. Recommended Reading Friendly's plans a comeback after decades of decline Fehler beim Abrufen der Daten Melden Sie sich an, um Ihr Portfolio aufzurufen. Fehler beim Abrufen der Daten Fehler beim Abrufen der Daten Fehler beim Abrufen der Daten Fehler beim Abrufen der Daten
