The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has proposed a formal ban on Orange B, a synthetic food dye that has been obsolete for more than four decades.
Orange B was last used in 1978, primarily in hot dog and sausage casings. Since then, no food manufacturer has employed the additive, making the proposal more of a regulatory clean-up than an industry disruption.
The FDA explained that the move is part of a larger initiative to phase out outdated synthetic colorants and modernise food safety standards. Earlier this year, the agency also banned Red No. 3, a dye long scrutinised for potential health risks.
“While Orange B has not been in use for decades, removing it from the approved list ensures that food regulations remain current, transparent, and focused on consumer safety,” FDA officials noted.
Experts say the decision is largely symbolic but meaningful. By formally eliminating unused additives, the FDA helps streamline food regulations and supports a broader shift towards safer, natural, and sustainable ingredients.
Industry stakeholders and consumer advocacy groups have welcomed the proposal, calling it a positive step in updating America’s food safety framework.
The FDA has opened the proposal for public comment. Once finalised, Orange B will be permanently removed from the list of permissible food colorants in the United States.
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