Proposal to Revoke the Color Additive Listing for Use of Citrus Red No. 2 on the Skins of Mature Oranges
FDA proposes to revoke the listing of Citrus Red No. 2 for use on mature orange skins, effectively banning the dye. Businesses using this additive must reformulate or relabel products.
Aforeworn detected this change in the Food & Beverage Manufacturing (FDA/FSMA/USDA) space on July 22, 2026 and published this briefing so affected operators are forewarned rather than caught off guard. It is rated High urgency. Food manufacturers, beverage makers, co-packers/private label, and ingredient suppliers that use Citrus Red No. 2 on orange skins. should confirm how it applies to their specific situation before acting. There is a time constraint attached: Effective upon final rule publication; compliance dates will be specified in the final rule, but proactive changes are recommended before the rule is finalized.. Acting after that point can mean penalties, a lapsed licence, or lost eligibility — exactly the kind of surprise Aforeworn exists to prevent. Aforeworn monitors Food & Beverage Manufacturing (FDA/FSMA/USDA) continuously and turns every detected change into a plain-English briefing like this one, so you always know first. Forewarned is forearmed.
What changed
The FDA proposes to remove Citrus Red No. 2 from the list of approved color additives for use on mature orange skins, making it illegal to use in food products.
Who it affects
Food manufacturers, beverage makers, co-packers/private label, and ingredient suppliers that use Citrus Red No. 2 on orange skins.
What you must do
Identify any products containing Citrus Red No. 2, reformulate to remove the additive, and update labels accordingly.
Deadline
Effective upon final rule publication; compliance dates will be specified in the final rule, but proactive changes are recommended before the rule is finalized.
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