FDA moves to revoke authorisation of Orange B food dye as part of push to eliminate petroleum-based colour additives

Published: 19-Sep-2025
Ingredients Regulatory

The move is part of a broader effort to phase out petroleum-based food dyes, with public comments open until October 16, 2025

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has taken another step in the national initiative to phase out petroleum-based food dyes.

The FDA has proposed to revoke the regulation authorising the use of the petroleum-based food dye, Orange B, as a colour additive in food.

The regulatory agency tentatively concluded that its use has been abandoned by industry and that the colour additive regulation is outdated and unnecessary.  

This action follows recent steps, including the launch of a tracker monitoring voluntary industry commitments to remove petroleum-based food dyes from school products by 2026 and more broadly by 2027.

The FDA also recently included the six remaining petroleum-based dyes frequently used in the food supply on its list of select chemicals under FDA review.

These include the following:

  • FD&C Green No. 3
  • FD&C Red No. 40
  • FD&C Yellow No. 5
  • FD&C Yellow No. 6
  • FD&C Blue No. 1
  • FD&C Blue No. 2.

The FDA will continue to work proactively with the industry to advance efforts to facilitate the removal of these petroleum-based food dyes from the food supply.

The FDA is accepting public comment for 30 days. All comments must be submitted by October 16th, 2025.

After reviewing public comments, the agency will determine whether to finalise this action.

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