Congresswoman Kat Cammack Responds To FDA Response On H.R. 1750 & Florida Citrus Industry

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Following the Food & Drug Administration's (FDA) response regarding H.R. 1750, the Defending Domestic Orange Juice Production Act of 2023 introduced by Rep. Scott Franklin (R-FL-18), Rep. Cammack raised several important issues central to the Florida citrus industry. 

During an Energy & Commerce Committee hearing earlier this summer, Rep. Cammack raised issues about the state of Florida citrus and the need to adjust the BRIX level in the Standard of Identity (SOI) with FDA Deputy Commissioner for Human Foods Jim Jones. During the conversation, she reinforced the importance of passing H.R. 1750, which would alleviate the burden for the industry, especially when the FDA's been sitting on a petition that was sent to them over two years ago. 

The FDA assured that it was working diligently to publish a proposed rule to amend the SOI due to the lack of health risks with the proposal. Congresswoman Cammack looks forward to seeing the addition of the proposed rule as part of the Fall 2024 Unified Agenda based on follow-up from the FDA. This will also provide the FDA's projected timeframe for publication of a rule. 

"Florida's citrus producers who depend on this prized domestic commodity need relief now," said Rep. Cammack. "We appreciate the FDA's focus and look forward to finding any available path to changing the out-of-date standard as quickly as possible."

View Congresswoman Cammack's remarks during the Energy & Commerce Committee on September 10, 2024 here.

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