The FDA has revoked Orange B and targeted Citrus Red No. 2 as manufacturers move away from petroleum-based synthetic dyes.
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has revoked the authorisation of Orange B in food and proposed withdrawing Citrus Red No. 2 after concluding that industry has abandoned both petroleum-based colour additives.
The Orange B revocation will take effect on 8 September 2026, while manufacturers and other stakeholders have until 24 August to comment on the proposed removal of Citrus Red No. 2.
The Trump Administration is taking decisive action to strengthen the safety of America’s food supply.
By working to eliminate outdated authorisations for petroleum-based colour additives that are no longer used, we are modernising our food safety regulations and helping to Make America Healthy Again.”
US Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.
Orange B had been authorised for colouring the casings or surfaces of frankfurters. After reviewing responses to its proposed revocation, the FDA said it received no evidence that changed its conclusion that food manufacturers no longer use the additive.
Citrus Red No. 2 has been authorised since 1959 for colouring the skins of mature oranges. The regulator has tentatively concluded that industry has also abandoned its use and will decide whether to finalise the revocation after reviewing public comments.
Although the decisions should have little immediate impact on formulations, they remove outdated permissions as the US food industry faces growing pressure to replace petroleum-based synthetic colours.
“The Trump Administration is taking decisive action to strengthen the safety of America’s food supply,” said US Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. “By working to eliminate outdated authorisations for petroleum-based colour additives that are no longer used, we are modernising our food safety regulations and helping to Make America Healthy Again.”
Updating colour additive rules
The FDA said the measures would bring its regulatory framework into line with current manufacturing practices and marketplace conditions.
Acting FDA Commissioner Kyle Diamantas, J.D, added: “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 By working to remove outdated and unnecessary authorisations under President Trump’s regulatory reform agenda, we are ensuring our regulations remain effective, transparent, and aligned with the agency’s public health mission.”
Stakeholders can submit comments on Citrus Red No. 2 through docket FDA-2026-N-6304 until 24 August.
Wider reformulation drive
The measures deliver part of the FDA’s April 2025 commitment to revoke Orange B and Citrus Red No. 2 as it works with manufacturers to phase petroleum-based synthetic dyes out of the US food supply by the end of 2026.
In February 2026, the regulator introduced further measures to accelerate the transition. Manufacturers may now use ‘no artificial colours’ claims on products made without petroleum-based colours, even when they contain colours from natural sources.
Major food companies are also accelerating their reformulation programmes. Nestlé recently pledged to remove artificial colourings from its global portfolio by the end of 2026, citing significant R&D work around production performance, consistency and shelf life.
The FDA has approved six natural colour additives under the current administration and continues to track voluntary commitments from manufacturers, retailers and trade associations moving towards alternative colour sources.
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