The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recently proposed a ban on the color additive Orange B, citing the fact that it has not been used by the food industry for nearly 50 years. The proposal aims to revoke the approval of Orange B for coloring the casings or surfaces of frankfurters and sausages, as the agency believes that the use of the additive has been abandoned, rendering the regulation outdated and unnecessary.
This move is part of the FDA’s efforts to pressure food companies to voluntarily remove artificial colors from their products. In addition to Orange B, the agency is also preparing to revoke the approval of another lesser-used additive, Citrus Red No. 2.
While the FDA faces challenges in revoking artificial food dyes due to legal complexities, it is focusing on targeting additives that are unlikely to face industry opposition. Orange B has not been certified for use since 1978, and Citrus Red No. 2 is only used on the skins of some citrus products, posing minimal health risks according to experts.
The Trump administration has been relying on voluntary compliance from food companies to eliminate the remaining certified artificial dyes, as an outright ban could lead to legal battles. The FDA has not presented new data indicating health risks associated with artificial dyes, making it difficult to regulate these additives.
Earlier this year, the Biden administration banned Red Dye No. 3 after studies linked it to cancer in rats. This move demonstrated the administration’s commitment to revoking approval for chemicals found to be harmful. A New York congresswoman has also introduced legislation to ban harmful food dyes, following similar efforts at the state level.
Overall, the FDA’s proposal to ban Orange B reflects the agency’s ongoing efforts to regulate artificial food additives and ensure the safety of consumers. By targeting rarely used additives and encouraging voluntary compliance from food companies, the FDA aims to protect public health and promote transparency in the food industry.
