FDA Bans Orange B Food Dye Today
Federal regulators on July 22 finalized a ban on a color additive called Orange B, which will go into effect on Thursday, July 23.
The Food and Drug Administration repealed authorization that let companies add Orange B, which is primarily used in casings for hot dogs, frankfurters, breakfast sausages and smoked sausages.
“We have determined that the authorized use of Orange B has been abandoned, and we have concluded that this color additive regulation is outdated and unnecessary,” FDA officials said.
Health officials said in 2025 that they were planning to ban Orange B and another additive, Citrus Red No. 2 (sprayed on fresh oranges and packaged whole oranges), prompting many companies to phase out those and other synthetic colors.
The ban on Orange B will take effect in 46 days.
Acting FDA Commissioner Kyle Diamantas said in a statement that by removing outdated authorizations under President Donald Trump’s reform agenda, “we are ensuring our regulations remain effective, transparent, and aligned with the agency’s public health mission.”
“The Trump Administration is taking decisive action to strengthen the safety of America’s food supply,” added Health Secretary 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 “By working to eliminate outdated authorizations for petroleum-based color additives that are no longer used, we are modernizing our food safety regulations and helping to Make America Healthy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.”
The FDA previously said it was banning a third additive, Red No. 3 (used in red candies and decorated cakes), and that companies would have to stop using it in January 2027. Six other color additives are still allowed, but federal officials have said that companies should phase them out due to concerns about their impact on health.
Dozens of companies have in recent months pledged to stop using some or all of the synthetic dyes, including Walmart, Sam’s Club, Aldi, Target, Whole Foods, and PepsiCo.
Some companies have not publicly made a commitment to remove dyes from their store brands. Those include Costco and Hy-Vee.
By Zachary Stieber | The Epoch Times News Service with additional reporting by Metro Voice.
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