The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is taking steps to prohibit the use of Red No. 3, also called Erythrosine, a common artificial food coloring derived from petroleum. This synthetic dye imparts a vibrant cherry-red hue to food products and ingested medications.
Dr. Marc Siegel, a clinical professor of medicine at NYU Langone Health and Fox News' senior medical analyst, expressed concern about the dye on "Fox and Friends," referring to it as "scary stuff." He highlighted its ban in skin products since the 1990s, questioning why it's permissible in food while prohibited for topical use. The dye is also banned in the European Union, the U.K., and much of Asia and Australia.
The FDA's move stems from a petition citing the Delaney Clause, which prevents the agency from deeming a color additive safe if it's linked to cancer in humans or animals. Dr. Siegel attributes the FDA's action to increased public and political pressure, specifically mentioning President-elect Donald Trump and Robert F. Kennedy Jr., along with increased responsiveness from the FDA's food division under Jim Jones.
Studies have raised concerns about potential health risks tied to all nine U.S.-approved food dyes. Red No. 3, specifically, has been shown to cause cancer in animal studies and is linked to behavioral problems in children, potentially including ADHD. Dr. Siegel criticized the FDA's past inaction, stating they haven't conducted sufficient post-market analysis. He pointed out that nearly 3,000 foods currently contain Red No. 3, according to the Environmental Working Group's Food Scores database.
The petition to eliminate Red No. 3 from food, supplements, and medications was submitted by the Center for Science in the Public Interest along with 23 other organizations and scientists. Fox News Digital contacted the FDA for comment.
