The U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced new steps to remove outdated authorizations for two petroleum-based color additives, revoking the approved use of Orange B in food and proposing to revoke the approved use of Citrus Red No. 2.

The actions, announced by the FDA in a news release, are part of the agency’s broader effort to update food safety regulations and phase out petroleum-based color additives that are no longer used by industry.

“The Trump Administration is taking decisive action to strengthen the safety of America’s food supply,” said Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. in the release. “By working to eliminate outdated authorizations for petroleum-based color additives that are no longer used, we are modernizing our food safety regulations and helping to Make America Healthy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 issued a final order revoking the authorization for Orange B after reviewing public comments on the proposal. According to the agency, it received no information that altered its conclusion that the additive’s approved use had been abandoned by industry.

The agency also proposed revoking the regulation authorizing the use of Citrus Red No. 2, stating it has tentatively concluded that the color additive is no longer used by industry. Citrus Red No. 2 has been authorized since 1959 for coloring the skins of mature oranges.

“The FDA is committed to maintaining a science-based, modern regulatory framework that reflects current manufacturing practices and marketplace realities,” said Acting FDA Commissioner Kyle Diamantas, J.D. “By working to remove outdated and unnecessary authorizations under President Trump’s regulatory reform agenda, we are ensuring our regulations remain effective, transparent and aligned with the agency’s public health mission.”

The FDA will accept public comments on the proposed revocation of Citrus Red No. 2 for 30 days. Comments must be submitted by Aug. 24.

Electronic comments may be submitted through the Federal eRulemaking Portal under docket FDA-2026-N-6304. Written comments may be mailed to: Dockets Management Staff (HFA-305), Food and Drug Administration, 5630 Fishers Lane, Room 1061, Rockville, MD 20852.

After reviewing public comments, the agency will decide whether to finalize the proposed revocation of Citrus Red No. 2.

“These actions reflect the FDA's ongoing commitment to reviewing and updating color additive regulations that are no longer relevant to current industry practices and represent significant milestones in the Administration's broader effort to phase out petroleum-based color additives from the U.S. food supply,” The agency said in the release. “The FDA also continues to track voluntary industry commitments to remove petroleum-based food dyes from the food supply through its Tracking Food Industry Pledges to Remove Petroleum-Based Food Dyes webpage, which summarizes commitments from manufacturers, retailers and trade associations as companies transition to alternative color sources and phase out petroleum-based food dyes.”