Is orange B allowed in food in the United States?

Banned. Final revocation effective 8 Sep 2026.

Food additives · Orange B

Where orange B is banned, and why

By Rashad Bayram · Published 29 Oct 2026 · Last checked 24 Oct 2026

Where it stands

— · Banned in 1 of 8 · Allowed in 0 of 3 in North America

European UnionNot verified
Not verified in this research pass. Check EU food additives database (Reg. 1333/2008) and EU Pesticides Database.
United KingdomNot verified
Not verified in this research pass. Check FSA list of approved additives and E numbers.
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 StatesBanned
Final revocation effective 8 Sep 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: —

Why is it restricted?

FDA found the industry had abandoned it and revoked the listing as part of its petroleum dye phase-out.

Where is it found?

Formerly some frankfurter casings.

How do I spot it on a label?

Orange B

What you can do: Gap closed in the US.

Quick answers

Is orange B allowed in food in the United States?: Banned. Final revocation effective 8 Sep 2026.

Sources

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

Brominated vegetable oil
Also banned in US
Azodicarbonamide (ADA)
Same category
Citrus Red No. 2
Same category
Erythrosine (Red No. 3)
Same category

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.