The Food and Drug Administration has finalized the removal of two synthetic food colorings and opened a public comment period on a third, signaling a broader regulatory shift toward natural dyes in line with the Trump administration’s health agenda.
The FDA issued a final order eliminating Orange B, a petroleum-derived dye with limited current use. The agency simultaneously proposed revoking authorization for Citrus Red No. 2, which has historically been applied to orange peels. Acting FDA Commissioner Kyle Diamantas stated the decision “reflects a science-based framework and current manufacturing practices.”
Why the Dyes Are Being Phased Out
Both colorings have fallen into disuse and rely on safety data that no longer reflects modern standards, according to the FDA. The agency determined that the petroleum-based dyes lack the toxicological foundation necessary to justify continued authorization under current regulatory scrutiny. The public will have until August 24, 2026, to submit comments on the Citrus Red No. 2 proposal before a final determination.
The move aligns with the broader “Make America Healthy Again” initiative, which prioritizes removing synthetic additives from the food supply and encouraging manufacturers to adopt cleaner ingredient lists.
Food Giants Invest in Natural Colors
Major food manufacturers are already responding to the regulatory environment and consumer demand. Mars is launching naturally colored M&M’s in August exclusively through Amazon, featuring red, orange, yellow, and green shells derived from natural sources. The company invested millions to retrofit more than 300 manufacturing machines across its U.S. facilities to accommodate the new colorant formulations.
The natural line will not initially include blue and brown varieties. Mars cited technical challenges in sourcing natural alternatives; spirulina, a candidate for blue coloring, requires higher pigment concentrations than synthetic dyes, complicating production at scale.
Other snack and cereal makers are moving in the same direction. Kellogg’s is phasing out artificial colors from its cereals, and Frito-Lay is eliminating synthetic dyes from its snack portfolio. The European Union already restricts several synthetic food colorings, establishing a regulatory precedent that the FDA’s actions now echo.
Industry Momentum and Next Steps
The FDA’s action removes regulatory barriers to natural-color adoption while the food industry demonstrates commercial viability of the transition. The August 24 comment deadline will allow stakeholders—manufacturers, consumer advocates, and the public—to weigh in before the agency finalizes rules on Citrus Red No. 2.
The elimination of these two dyes represents the latest FDA initiative under the Trump administration’s food-safety framework, which emphasizes removing legacy synthetic additives and supporting manufacturers who invest in cleaner formulations. For Idaho families and consumers nationwide, the move signals a shift toward fewer petroleum-derived chemicals in everyday food products.