The Lab
Specimen No. 0186
AvoidSyntheticfood artificial dyes

Citrus Red 2

Master DB rating: Avoid. Listed for: Florida orange peel

low confidence
Researched July 7, 2026

Concerns

  • A 2023 peer-reviewed toxicology review reports Citrus Red 2 causing urinary bladder tumors in animal studies (Sultana et al. 2023)
  • FDA restricts it to coloring orange peel not intended for eating, at a maximum of 2 ppm based on whole-fruit weight (21 CFR 74.302); EU has not authorized it

Regulatory flags

  • IARC Class: NL
  • EDC Status: None
  • Regulatory: US: permitted on orange skin only (21 CFR 74.302, max 2 ppm); EU: banned
  • Evidence Grade: B

Commonly found in

Florida orange peel

Research disclaimer: This rating is based on available peer-reviewed research and regulatory assessments at the time of publication. It is not medical advice. Consult a qualified professional for personal health or skin concerns.

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