About
The outer rind of the orange fruit (Citrus sinensis for sweet orange; Citrus aurantium for bitter orange), used fresh, dried, candied, or as an extracted oil to impart citrus flavour and aroma to foods and beverages. It is also a natural source of dietary fibre (pectin), polyphenols (hesperidin, nobiletin), and volatile essential oils.
Safety summary
Orange peel is broadly regarded as safe; the FDA has raised no questions on multiple GRAS notices for citrus-fibre ingredients derived from orange peel (GRN 599, GRN 719), and no formal ADI has been established because it is a traditional whole food ingredient rather than an isolated chemical additive. Conventionally grown orange peel may carry surface pesticide residues (e.g., imazalil, thiabendazole applied post-harvest), for which maximum residue levels are set by regulators including EFSA. Bitter orange (C. aurantium) peel specifically contains synephrine, warranting caution in persons with cardiovascular conditions or those taking interacting medications.
Regulatory landscape
| Jurisdiction | Status | Note |
|---|---|---|
| EFSA (European Food Safety Authority) (European Union) | Approved | Orange peel is permitted as a natural food ingredient and flavouring in the EU under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008 on flavourings. Expressed orange essential oil from Citrus sinensis is authorised as a feed additive for all animal species under Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2022/1421. Orange peel itself does not hold a discrete E number as it is used as a traditional food ingredient, not an isolated chemical additive.source |
| FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) (India) | Approved | Orange peel is recognised as a natural food ingredient and flavouring under the Food Safety and Standards (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Regulations, 2011. No specific INS number or maximum use level is mandated for orange peel used as a whole or dried ingredient; GMP applies.source |
| FDA (Food and Drug Administration) (United States) | Approved | Orange peel (sweet) and its oil are listed in the FDA Substances Added to Food (EAFUS) inventory as flavouring substances evaluated by FEMA and JECFA. Citrus fibre derived from orange peel has received FDA Letters of No Objection under GRAS notices GRN 599 (Cargill, 2016) and GRN 719 (PepsiCo, 2017). Used per GMP as a natural flavouring consistent with 21 CFR 182.20.source |
Who should approach with care
Research citations
- 1FDA. Substances Added to Food (EAFUS) – Orange Peel, Sweet, Oil (Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck). hfpappexternal.fda.gov
- 2other. Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2022/1421 – Authorisation of expressed orange essential oil (Citrus sinensis) as a feed additive for all animal species, 2022. eur-lex.europa.eu
- 3FDA. GRAS Notice No. GRN 719 – Orange Pomace (PepsiCo / Regulatory Services Inc.), 2017. fda.gov
- 4FDA. Agency Response Letter GRAS Notice No. GRN 000599 – Citrus Fiber (Cargill), 2016. fda.gov