FDA to Remove Orange B and Citrus Red No. 2 as Color Additives in Food

On July 22, the US Food and Drug Administration announced two actions targeting petroleum-based color additives in food, issuing a final order revoking the authorized use of Orange B as a color additive in food and is proposing to revoke the authorized use of Citrus Red No. 2 as a color additive in food. These actions are part of the FDA’s initiative to phase out petroleum-based color additives from the US food supply.

Acting FDA Commissioner Kyle Diamantas, J.D., stated: “The FDA is committed to maintaining a science-based, modern regulatory framework that reflects current manufacturing practices and marketplace realities, […] By working to remove outdated and unnecessary authorizations, […] we are ensuring our regulations remain effective, transparent, and aligned with the agency’s public health mission.”

The FDA is proposing to revoke the regulation authorizing the use of Citrus Red No. 2 as a color additive in food because the agency has tentatively concluded that its use has been abandoned by industry. Citrus Red No. 2 has been authorized since 1959 for coloring the skins of mature oranges. As of now, the FDA is accepting public comments on the proposed revocation of Citrus Red No. 2 as a color additive in food until August 24, 2026. The organization will determine whether to finalize the proposed revocation of the color after reviewing the public comments.

The administration is also issuing a final order revoking the regulation authorizing the use of Orange B as a color additive in food. Following an evaluation of public comments on the proposed action, the agency did not receive information that changed its conclusion that the authorized use of Orange B has been abandoned by industry. In this case, the issued order is final and following an evaluation of public comments on the proposed action, the agency did not receive information that changed its conclusion that the authorized use of Orange B has been abandoned by industry.