High urgency

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.

Source: https://www.federalregister.gov/public-inspection/2026-14909/proposal-to-revoke-the-color-additive-listing-for-use-of-citrus-red-no-2-on-the-skins-of-mature

Never miss a change like this again

Aforeworn watches Food & Beverage Manufacturing (FDA/FSMA/USDA) around the clock and alerts you the moment a rule moves — with a plain-English brief on what to do.

Start your free trial

Related changes in Food & Beverage Manufacturing (FDA/FSMA/USDA)