Florida oranges can be treated with red dye number 2.

Since 1956, the FDA has permitted the use of Citrus Red No. 2 as a food dye to color the peel of conventional oranges. In warmer tropical climates, orange peels can stay green from the chlorophyll content. In more temperate subtropical climates, the cooler nighttime temperatures cause the chlorophyll to degrade and carotenoids to increase in the peel, creating the quintessential orange color. To make the orange peels look more "desirable" for consumers, fruit packing companies will treat oranges with ethylene gas and use an emulsion with Citrus Red No. 2.

While Citrus Red 2 is banned for use in California and Arizona, it can be applied onto conventional oranges from states such as Florida. Red dye is not permitted for use on organic oranges. Oranges treated with citrus Red No. 2 don’t have to bear a warning label as long as "the labeling of the bulk container is plainly in view, or a counter card, sign or other appropriate device bears prominently and conspicuously the fact that the oranges are artificially colored." The confusing part is that end consumers would likely not see this since oranges are not displayed in their shipping boxes. The oranges are indistinguishable once they reach the supermarket.

According to the FDA, Citrus Red No. 2 is only allowed in concentrations up to 2 ppm for use on oranges that will be sold for consumption. The red dye is not allowed for processed orange products like juice or smoothies. According to my research, Citrus Red No. 2 would not penetrate through the peel. The only way it could reach the flesh of the fruit would be through a knife spreading it or pressing it. The emulsion is hydrophobic, so you would need to use a baking soda mixture with a brush or cloth to remove it from the peel.

It is time for the food and agriculture industries to stop supporting the petrochemical industry and put an end to these practices.

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from 414 reviews
Great Germination Rate

The seeds were high quality and had a great germination rate!

Anonymous
Bouquet Dill Seeds
Bouquet Dill Seeds

Love how the seeds are packaged-able to re-close the envelope. Great labeling also! Quick shipping after order was placed, will definitely be ordering more! Thank you!

Rhonda
Yellow Pear Tomato Seeds
Yellow Pear Tomato Seeds
One of the best resources for seeds that I have found

Matthew provides a large number of high quality seeds with great information and resources about effective growing practices.

Anonymous
Champion Radish Seeds
Champion Radish Seeds
Love this company and their mission

Love this company and their mission. Enjoyed a very successful harvest last year with the Cherokee Tomato varieties. Planted those again along with the Moneymaker variety in seedling pots . Due to the warm spring we’ve had in zone 7, they’ve been outside a lot and sprouted without the week. So gratifying.

-Mary

Mary
Moneymaker Tomato Seeds
Moneymaker Tomato Seeds
Amazing

These seeds sprouted faster than any other I’ve purchased.

Emily
Thyme Seeds
Thyme Seeds
Fast germination in less than10 days

Fast germination in less than10 days. Goes handinhandwithall my seeds thisseason. I'm in zone10 so most of them have been transplanted outdoors already. Matthew provides fast shipment and very high visiting seed..

Victor Yepello
Anaheim Chile Hot Pepper Seeds
Anaheim Chile Hot Pepper Seeds
Great seeds

Great seeds, sprouted right away. Recommend

Natalia
Roma Tomato Seeds
Roma Tomato Seeds
Oh yeah

Oh yeah, the lettuce is happening this year!

Gayle Chapman
Bibb Butterhead Lettuce Seeds
Bibb Butterhead Lettuce Seeds
Superb Products

I just recently purchased some seeds (Waltham Butternut Squash, Red Russian Kale, Large Cherry Red Tomato and Boston Pickling Cucumber) from My Health Forward. I won't plan the seeds until next year, however, because of Matthew's integrity and the quality of all his products, I have no doubt these seeds will produce great yields. Every purchase from MHF has been excellent.

Bett D
Waltham Butternut Winter Squash Seeds
Waltham Butternut Winter Squash Seeds
This is the only place I buy seeds

This is the only place I buy seeds. Terrific company.

Larry
Yellow Sweet Spanish Onion Seeds
Yellow Sweet Spanish Onion Seeds
Seeds were delivered quickly

Seeds were delivered quickly, however when I ordered them it was late in the season to plant this year. With Health Forward's reputation, I know these seed will deliver great results.

Anonymous
Green Sprouting Calabrese Broccoli Seeds
Green Sprouting Calabrese Broccoli Seeds

I am so glad someone is preserving our precious non GMO seeds! Arrived in perfect shape ready to plant!

Tamara
Kentucky Wonder Pole Bean Seeds
Kentucky Wonder Pole Bean Seeds
Awesome so far

Germinated right away and already growing fast!

Michelle Bagnasco
Golden Bantam Corn Seeds
Golden Bantam Corn Seeds

It’s growing well!

Shakira Encarnacion
Wild Bergamot "Bee Balm" - Monarda fistulosa Seeds
Wild Bergamot "Bee Balm" - Monarda fistulosa Seeds
Already sprouting!

After just a couple of days, my seeds for Summer squash are popping out of the dirt, healthy and green! I’m thrilled with all the seeds I have purchased from My Health Forward. They all are happily growing! I will definitely order again!!

Theresa Halzle
Black Beauty Summer Squash Seeds
Black Beauty Summer Squash Seeds

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