Does Your Beverage Need a Process Authority Letter?

13 Dec Does Your Beverage Need a Process Authority Letter?

A Process Authority Letter (PA Letter) is required for many beverages before they can legally be manufactured, sold, or filed with the FDA. If your formula includes acid, juice, functional ingredients, or low-acid components, this applies to you.

This guide breaks down everything beverage founders need to know.

⭐ What Is a Process Authority Letter?

A Process Authority Letter is a written evaluation by a qualified food scientist who determines:

• Whether your product is acidified

• Safe processing parameters

• Required thermal processing

• pH and water activity limits

• Filing requirements for FDA (FCE + SID)

Without this letter, many co-packers cannot run your product.

⭐ Beverages That Typically Need a PA Letter

You likely need a PA Letter if your beverage is:

• Juice blends

• Functional beverages (vitamin-added, electrolyte, botanical)

• Cold-fill beverages adjusted with citric acid

• Coffee drinks with milk/creamers

• Teas with flavorings

• Kombucha & fermented beverages

• Concentrates

• Wellness shots

• Drinkable syrups or mixers

• Non-carbonated shelf-stable drinks

⭐ Beverages That Do Not Usually Need a PA Letter

• Carbonated soft drinks

• Alcoholic beverages (regulated differently)

• 100% juice produced under juice HACCP

• Refrigerated beverages kept below 41°F

• HPP beverages (depending on pH)

⭐ How to Know if Your Beverage is Acidified

A beverage is considered acidified if:

• It contains low-acid ingredients

• AND acid is added to bring the pH below 4.6

Common low-acid ingredients:

• Protein powders

• Purees

• Milk/dairy

• Vegetables

• Herbs & botanicals

• Protein shakes

• Nut milks

United Food Labs performs full evaluations to determine your regulatory category.

⭐ What a Process Authority Letter Includes

• Classification (acidified vs. non-acidified)

• Required filing (FCE/SID)

• Critical control parameters

• Processing recommendations

• pH guidelines

• Thermal treatment requirements

• Safety evaluation

⭐ Why Beverage Founders Need a PA Letter

• Required for FDA filing

• Required by most co-packers

• Ensures your formula is safe

• Required for shelf-stable products

• Protects your brand from recalls

⭐ Need a Process Authority Letter for Your Beverage?

We issue fast PA Letters for beverage brands nationwide.

📞 818-749-2751
📩 info@unitedfoodlabs.com