FDA Revokes Orange B, Proposes Ending Citrus Red No. 2 Use

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has revoked 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 in food.

FDA is proposing to revoke the authorization for Citrus Red No. 2 because it has tentatively concluded that the additive’s use has been abandoned by industry. Citrus Red No. 2 has been authorized since 1959 for coloring the skins of mature oranges.

The final order revoking the use of Orange B was released following an evaluation of public comments on the proposed action. FDA said it did not receive information that changed its conclusion that the additive’s authorized use has been abandoned by industry.

FDA is accepting public comments on the proposed revocation of Citrus Red No. 2 for 30 days. All comments must be submitted by Aug. 24. Comments may be submitted electronically through the Federal eRulemaking Portal to docket FDA-2026-N-6304, or by mail to:

Dockets Management Staff (HFA-305)
Food and Drug Administration
5630 Fishers Lane, Room 1061
Rockville, MD 20852

After reviewing the public comments, the FDA will determine whether to finalize the proposed revocation.

The actions are part of FDA’s ongoing review of color additive regulations that it deems no longer relevant to current industry practices, part of its broader effort to phase out petroleum-based color additives from the U.S. food supply.

The agency is tracking voluntary industry commitments to remove petroleum-based food dyes from the food supply through its Tracking Food Industry Pledges to Remove Petroleum-Based Food Dyes webpage, which summarizes commitments from manufacturers, retailers and trade associations as companies transition to alternative color sources.

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 “By working to remove outdated and unnecessary authorizations under President Trump’s regulatory reform agenda, we are ensuring our regulations remain effective, transparent and aligned with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