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Food additives · Citrus Red No. 2

Where citrus Red No. 2 is banned, and why

By · Published · Last checked

Where it stands

E121 · Banned in 2 of 8 · Allowed in 0 of 3 in North America

  • European UnionBanned

    Not authorised.

  • United KingdomBanned

    Not authorised.

  • ChinaNot verified

    Not verified in this research pass. Check GB 2760-2024, the national food additive standard.

  • RussiaNot verified

    Not verified in this research pass. Check EAEU technical regulation TR CU 029/2012 on additives.

  • JapanNot verified

    Not verified in this research pass. Check MHLW list of designated food additives.

  • United StatesRestricted

    Allowed only on orange peel. FDA proposed revoking it in July 2026.

  • CanadaNot verified

    Not verified in this research pass. Check Health Canada Lists of Permitted Food Additives and the PMRA label search.

  • MexicoNot verified

    Not verified in this research pass. Check the COFEPRIS acuerdo on additives and processing aids.

Also banned in: JECFA: "not to be used"

Why is it restricted?

IARC lists it as possibly carcinogenic (Group 2B). The WHO's food additive committee set no safe intake and said it should not be used.

Where is it found?

Skins of some US-grown oranges (not the juice or flesh).

How do I spot it on a label?

  • Citrus Red 2
  • Citrus Red No. 2
  • "color added" on fruit

What you can do: Loose oranges dyed with it should be marked "color added". Avoid using that peel for zest or marmalade.

Quick answers

Is citrus Red No. 2 allowed in food in the United States?
Restricted. Allowed only on orange peel. FDA proposed revoking it in July 2026.
Is citrus Red No. 2 allowed in food in the European Union?
Banned. Not authorised.

Sources

  1. 17.Akin Gump: FDA synthetic dye phase-out (opens in a new tab)akingump.com · Secondary: law firm, trade press, major media
  2. 18.Dairy Processing: FDA revokes Orange B, proposes Citrus Red 2 revocation (opens in a new tab)dairyprocessing.com · Secondary: law firm, trade press, major media
  3. 35.JECFA evaluation summary: Citrus Red No. 2 (opens in a new tab)inchem.org · Primary: government, court or law

General information, not legal or medical advice. “Banned elsewhere” doesn't automatically mean unsafe: some bans rest on animal welfare, trade or caution. Read the fact checks before sharing a list.

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