On July 22, 2026, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced two actions targeting petroleum-based color additives in food. The agency issued a final order revoking the authorized use of Orange B as a color additive in food and proposed revoking the authorized use of Citrus Red No. 2. The actions continue the FDA’s broader efforts to Make America Healthy Again.
The FDA said it is proposing to revoke the regulation authorizing Citrus Red No. 2 because it has tentatively concluded that the color’s use has been abandoned by industry. Citrus Red No. 2 has been authorized since 1959 for coloring the skins of mature oranges.
For Orange B, the FDA issued a final order after evaluating public comments on the proposed action. The agency said it did not receive information that changed its conclusion that the authorized use of Orange B had been abandoned by industry.
The FDA is committed to maintaining a science-based, modern regulatory framework that reflects current manufacturing practices and marketplace realities,
Acting FDA Commissioner Kyle Diamantas, J.D., said the agency is working to remove outdated and unnecessary authorizations under President Trump’s regulatory reform agenda. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., said the administration is taking action to strengthen the safety of the U.S. food supply and eliminate outdated authorizations for petroleum-based color additives that are no longer used.
Citrus Red No. 2 Comment Period
The FDA is accepting public comments on the proposed revocation of Citrus Red No. 2 for 30 days. Comments must be submitted by August 24, 2026, either 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 of Citrus Red No. 2. The agency said the actions reflect its ongoing review of color additive regulations that are no longer relevant to current industry practices. The FDA also continues to track voluntary industry commitments to remove petroleum-based food dyes through its Tracking Food Industry Pledges to Remove Petroleum-Based Food Dyes webpage.