Orange Red (usually referring to Citrus Red No.2, also known as Orange Red No.2) is an artificially synthesized azo red pigment. It has not been approved for use in food in China. In the United States, it was once used for dyeing orange peels. Since 2025, it has been banned in the United States. I. Basic Information Chemical name: Citrus Red No.2, C.I. Solvent Red 80 Appearance: Orange-red powder, lipophilic (insoluble in water) Safety: Classified as a Group 2B carcinogen by IARC (possibly carcinogenic) Ii. Main Uses (Historical/Illegal Scenarios) Citrus peel dyeing (old US regulation) Only for enhancing the color of fresh orange peels (2mg/kg), prohibited from seeping into the pulp/juice In April 2025, the US FDA revoked the authorization and completely banned it China: Illegal Food Additives (Crackdown) Common ones include dyed oranges and red-skinned fruits, which are passed off as good ones and have a better appearance Illegal: Improper coloring in meat products, pastries, and beverages (replacing sunset yellow/carmine red) Industrial use (non-food) Plastics, rubber, inks, coatings (orange-red coloring) Leather and textile dyeing (industrial grade)