The food dye has not been used since 1978; advocates say the move has little impact on today\u2019s food supply<\/p>\n<\/h3>\n
By I. Edwards HealthDay Reporter<\/b>
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THURSDAY, Sept. 18, 2025 (HealthDay News) \u2014 Federal health officials want to take Orange B \u2014 an artificial food dye that hasn\u2019t been used in more than four decades \u2014 off the books.<\/p>\n
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced that it plans to repeal regulations that have allowed the synthetic dye in the food supply since 1966. <\/p>\n
Orange B was once used to color sausage casings and frankfurters, but no certified batches have been produced or requested since 1978.<\/p>\n
\u201cIts use has been abandoned by industry,\u201d the FDA said in a statement<\/a>. \u201cThe color additive regulation is outdated and unnecessary.\u201d<\/p>\n Some food safety advocates welcomed the move but questioned its actual impact.<\/p>\n \u201cIt says they are currently willing to take mandatory steps only where it has no impact,\u201d Sarah Sorscher<\/a>, regulatory affairs director for the Center for Science in the Public Interest, told The Associated Press<\/em>.<\/p>\n The proposed action comes shortly after the FDA banned Red dye No. 3 in January because of cancer concerns. That dye has been used in candies, snacks and some medicines.<\/p>\n U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr<\/a>. and FDA Commissioner Dr. Marty Makary<\/a> vow to remove petroleum-based food dyes linked to children\u2019s health risks. <\/p>\n Mixed studies suggest artificial dyes may cause hyperactivity or attention problems in some kids, though the FDA says most approved dyes are safe for the general population.<\/p>\n The agency is now reviewing six widely used dyes: Green No. 3, Red No. 40, Yellow No. 5, Yellow No. 6, Blue No. 1 and Blue No. 2. Another dye, Citrus Red No. 2, is rarely used and only in small amounts on citrus peels, The Associated Press<\/em> said.<\/p>\n The Orange B rule change will go through a short public comment period and could take effect within 45 days.<\/p>\n More information<\/strong><\/p>\n The Code of Federal Regulations has more on Orange B<\/a>.<\/p>\n