Most store-bought orange juices are pasteurized, meaning they're heat-treated to kill germs and bacteria.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently proposed lowering the minimum sugar content for pasteurized orange juice. The change would reduce the minimum Brix level—a measure of a liquid's sugar content—from 10.5% to 10%.

The proposal aims to support Florida citrus growers, who say that severe weather and bacterial crop diseases have made it harder to meet the current standard.

The change wouldn't significantly affect the taste or nutrition of orange juice. But even with slightly less sugar, orange juice isn’t ideal for daily consumption because it lacks fiber and can spike blood sugar.

Why Is Orange Juice Pasteurized?

Most orange juice is pasteurized at a high temperature f

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