Definition

Citrus Red 2 is an artificial food dye used to color the skin of non-organic Florida oranges.

Health considerations

Citrus Red 2 is classified by the International Association for Research on Cancer as possibly carcinogenic to humans. In mice, increased mortality and liver damage was seen within weeks with a diet containing 0.1% Citrus Red. In mice injected with the dye, tumors appeared more often and were more severe compared to controls.

Keep in mind

The dye is typically used only early in the citrus season when Florida weather does not allow for a bright enough orange colour to develop naturally.

May be found in

Oranges, citrus fruit

References

International Agency for Research on Cancer
Food and Cosmetics Toxicology

Alternative Spellings and Names

Citrus Red No.2, Solvent Red 80, Citrus Red

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