FDA Moves to Ban Long-Unused Orange Skin Dye
Published Date: 7/23/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
The FDA wants to stop allowing Citrus Red No. 2 to be used on orange skins because it hasn’t been used since 2020. This change affects orange growers and food companies but won’t cost anyone money since the color additive is already out of use. If you have thoughts, you’ve got until August 24, 2026, to speak up!
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Existing certificates to cease; depletion window offered
If the final order is issued, certificates for any existing batches of Citrus Red No. 2 would cease to be effective on the rule's effective date (90 days after publication — publication was July 23, 2026, so the effective date would be October 21, 2026), and use after that date would render the food adulterated. FDA proposes to refrain from enforcing the final order for up to one year after the effective date (until October 21, 2027) to allow holders to deplete any remaining certified supply.
FDA proposes repeal of Citrus Red No. 2
The FDA is proposing to revoke the rule (21 CFR 74.302) that allows Citrus Red No. 2 to be used on the skins of mature oranges. FDA records show Citrus Red No. 2 has not been batch certified for use in U.S. food since 2020, and the agency states the listing appears abandoned and removing it will not cost anyone money because the additive is already out of use.
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Key Dates
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