To learn more about the FDA’s strategy to remove FD&C colors from the U.S. food supply, state-level regulations restricting their use, and how the transition may impact processing operations, read ProFood World’s April 2026 special report, “Color Additives in Transition.”
The FDA announced its push to remove petroleum-based dyes from the U.S. food supply progressed this week with a new revocation of authorization and a proposal for another.
The FDA has concluded both FD&C color additives targeted in the change have been abandoned by industry, so for manufacturers, the move may amount more to regulatory cleanup than an industry-shifting change.
“The Trump Administration is taking decisive action to strengthen the safety of America’s food supply,” says Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. “By working to eliminate outdated authorizations for petroleum-based color additives that are no longer used, we are modernizing our food safety regulations and helping to Make America Healthy Again.”
One revoked authorization
The agency announced July 22 it had issued a final order to revoke authorization for the use of Orange B as a color additive in food. The revocation is effective September 8, 2026.
Orange B’s authorized use includes coloring for casings or surfaces of frankfurters and sausages.
The FDA first announced its plan to revoke authorization for Orange B, along with Citrus Red No. 2, in a wider announcement on removing FD&C dyes from the food supply in April 2025. It then proposed the revocation for Orange B and requested public comment in September 2025 before finalizing the move this July.
After tentatively concluding Orange B had been abandoned by industry in the September announcement, the FDA says it received no information that changed its conclusion in the public comment period.
In the FDA’s final order for Orange B, it offers for stakeholders to submit objections or hearing requests by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on August 24, 2026, either electronically or through a written/paper submission.
This marks the second formal revocation of authorization for a petroleum-based color additive in recent years, with the first being Red No. 3 in the final days of the Biden administration. The FDA has opted to work with industry to remove most other FD&C dyes from the food supply on a voluntary basis.
One proposed revocation
In the same July 22 announcement, the FDA announced a proposal to revoke authorization for the use of Citrus Red No. 2 as a color additive in food.
Citrus Red No. 2 has been authorized since 1959 to color the skins of mature oranges, but the agency says it has tentatively concluded the color’s use has been abandoned by industry.
The FDA initiated a 30-day public comment period for the Citrus Red No. 2 proposal, with the deadline to submit comments on August 24, 2026. Comments can be submitted electronically or through the mail, with specifics for each process listed in the announcement.
After the public comment period, the agency will determine whether to finalize the proposed revocation.
“The FDA is committed to maintaining a science-based, modern regulatory framework that reflects current manufacturing practices and marketplace realities,” says Acting FDA Commissioner Kyle Diamantas, J.D. “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.”
To learn more about the FDA’s strategy to remove FD&C colors from the U.S. food supply, state-level regulations restricting their use, and how the transition may impact processing operations, read ProFood World’s April 2026 special report, “Color Additives in Transition.”
