By Lew Kizer — 2026-10-21 — Prepared Food Trends
The short answer
On October 19, 2026, the FDA released sampling results for lemon juice collected from 2022 to 2025. Of 195 domestic and imported samples, 7 imported samples (4.5% of imports, 3.6% overall) were violative for economically motivated adulteration. No domestic samples failed. The shipments were refused entry, and the firms were placed on Import Alert 99-47.
Key facts
- 195 lemon juice samples tested, collected 2022 to 2025.
- 7 imported samples were violative: 4.5% of imports, 3.6% of all samples.
- No domestic samples were violative.
- FDA tested for added sweeteners, citric acid, excess water and non-lemon juice.
- Firms were placed on Import Alert 99-47 and their shipments refused entry.
- FDA lists honey, maple syrup, olive oil, seafood, juice and spices among foods commonly targeted by fraud.
KINGSPORT, Tenn., Oct. 21, 2026 — Not everything labeled lemon juice is all lemon juice. On October 19, the FDA released the results of a multi-year sampling program and found a small but real share of imported products did not meet the federal standard.
What the FDA tested
| Measure | Result |
|---|---|
| Samples tested (2022 to 2025) | 195 |
| Violative imported samples | 7 (4.5% of imports) |
| Violative domestic samples | 0 |
| All samples | 3.6% violative |
Investigators looked for ingredients that do not belong under lemon juice's federal standard of identity: added sweeteners, citric acid, excess water and juice from other fruits. Shipments tied to the failed samples were refused entry. The firms were placed on Import Alert 99-47, which lets FDA detain their products without inspection until they prove they have fixed the problem.
Food fraud is bigger than lemons
The FDA lists honey and maple syrup cut with cheaper syrups, extra-virgin olive oil blended with cheaper oils, seafood species swaps and spices bulked or dyed as common targets. Spices colored with lead-based dyes show how fraud can turn into a safety issue. Our new guide, how to spot food fraud, covers the foods most often faked and what shoppers can actually check.
Why it matters in a kitchen
“Most meal preps take fifteen minutes. Ours takes eighteen hours.” — Lew Kizer, Founder, SmashMeals
See how our kitchen works, then browse this week's meals.
Commentary, not medical advice
The SmashMeals perspective
Most food fraud is about money, not safety, but it can become a safety problem fast when a substitute brings an allergen or a contaminant with it. That is why ingredients matter to us, and why we want to know where ours come from. You cannot lab-test your groceries, but you can buy from sources you trust and read the ingredient list, not just the front of the bottle.
Frequently asked questions
What did the FDA find in lemon juice?
Seven of 195 lemon juice samples, all imported, were violative for economically motivated adulteration. The FDA tested for added sweeteners, citric acid, excess water and juice from non-lemon sources. It did not say which were found in each sample.
What is economically motivated adulteration?
The FDA defines it as intentionally leaving out, removing or substituting a valuable ingredient, or adding a substance to make a food look better or more valuable. It is commonly called food fraud.
Which foods are most often faked?
The FDA lists honey and maple syrup, olive oil, seafood, juice and spices among commonly targeted foods.
Sources and credits
Follow the original sources for context and verification. A reference is not an endorsement of SmashMeals.
- FDA releases sampling results on economically motivated adulteration in lemon juice (opens in a new tab)
U.S. Food and Drug Administration
Why it matters: The primary results and enforcement actions.
- Economically Motivated Adulteration (Food Fraud) (opens in a new tab)
U.S. Food and Drug Administration
Why it matters: FDA's definition of food fraud and the foods most often targeted.