The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is proposing to remove a food dye called Orange B from the list of approved additives. This dye was once allowed in sausage casings and frankfurters, but it hasn’t been used since 1978.
FDA officials stated that no one has asked to use Orange B in decades, making the regulation unnecessary. The agency described it as “outdated.”
This move comes after a push to remove artificial dyes from foods, some believe there is a move to control what families can buy. Some worry that these changes limit choices and could make groceries more expensive, especially for those on a tight budget.
Previously, the FDA banned Red No. 3 due to concerns about cancer. The Trump administration also encouraged food companies to voluntarily remove artificial dyes from their products.
Some health officials have expressed concerns about the effects of food dyes on children, citing studies that suggest a link to behavioral problems. However, the FDA has stated that most children do not experience negative effects from consuming approved food dyes.
The FDA is currently reviewing several other commonly used food dyes, including Green No. 3, Red No. 40, Yellow No. 5, Yellow No. 6, Blue No. 1, and Blue No. 2.
