Key Takeaways:
- The FDA has proposed a ban on the color additive Orange B, citing its disuse in the food industry for almost 50 years.
- The proposed ban targets the approval of Orange B for coloring frankfurters and sausages, with the FDA noting that its usage has been abandoned, rendering the regulation outdated.
- This move is part of the FDA’s efforts to encourage food companies to voluntarily eliminate artificial colors, with plans to also revoke Citrus Red No. 2.
Insightful Analysis:
As the FDA considers revoking artificial food dyes, it is focusing on seldom-used additives that are less likely to face resistance from the industry.
Orange B has not been used as a certified color since 1978, as outlined in the proposed rule. Similarly, Citrus Red No. 2, another potential target for ban, has limited application on certain citrus products.
The Trump administration is opting for voluntary compliance to phase out the remaining artificial dyes, as a direct ban could lead to legal challenges. The FDA’s lack of new evidence on the health risks posed by artificial dyes complicates regulatory efforts.
Earlier this year, the Biden administration banned Red Dye No. 3 due to cancer risks identified in studies. This decision was based on a rule from 1960 allowing for the revocation of chemicals linked to cancer in humans or animals.
Efforts to regulate food dyes extend to legislative actions, with a congresswoman introducing a bill to restrict common food dyes. State-level initiatives are also underway, with multiple bills introduced to regulate or ban food additives across 20 states.