Approval of amendment to the Codex Alimentarius Standard on grape juice

The Brazilian government proudly announces the approval of an amendment to the General Standard for Fruit Juices and Nectars under the Codex Alimentarius. This revision better reflects the unique characteristics of grape juice made from the Vitis labrusca species, which is predominant in Brazil. 

By aligning international standards with Brazil's grape juice production, the amendment is expected to streamline exports and boost the global competitiveness of Brazilian grape juice. 

The proposal, submitted to the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC), introduces a distinction in the minimum Brix level for grape juice. One category is for Vitis vinifera and its hybrids, maintaining the minimum Brix level at 16.0. The other is for Vitis labrusca and its hybrids, with a newly established minimum Brix level of 14.0. This change ensures the standard more accurately reflects the specific properties of reconstituted grape juice made from Vitis labrusca and its hybrids, particularly those from regions like Rio Grande do Sul, known for their unique production characteristics. 

Founded in 1963, the Codex Alimentarius is a joint initiative of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Health Organization (WHO). Its primary mission is to set international food standards to protect consumer health and ensure fair practices in global trade. 

This achievement is the result of collaborative efforts by the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (Mapa), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MRE), the National Institute of Metrology (Inmetro), and the National Health Surveillance Agency (Anvisa). 


Press information
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