The Color-Add Process as Applied in Florida

Abstract

The weak natural color of some varieties of oranges and some hybrids grown in Florida has resulted in the use of a dye on the peel to improve their market appearance. While this practice is many decades old, there is little in the literature about the process and its commercial application. The currently used dye, Citrus Red No. 2, is governed by several regulations. In addition to current application practices, concerns over the safety of the dye used and the affect of the color-add process on the fruit are addressed.