Red food dye could soon be banned as FDA reviews petition: ‘Scary stuff’
A widely used artificial food dye could soon be outlawed in the United States. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is taking steps to ban Red No. 3, also known as Erythrosine, a synthetic dye made from petroleum that is commonly used as a color additive in food and ingested drugs to give them a bright cherry-red color.
Jim Jones, the FDA’s deputy commissioner for human foods, recently stated that the agency is reviewing a petition to revoke the authorization of Red No. 3. This petition cites the Delaney Clause, which prohibits the classification of a color additive as safe if it has been found to induce cancer in humans or animals.
Dr. Marc Siegel, a clinical professor of medicine at NYU Langone Health and Fox News’ senior medical analyst, expressed concerns about the potential health risks associated with Red No. 3. He pointed out that the dye has been banned in the European Union, the U.K., and several other regions due to its links to cancer and behavioral issues in children.
Siegel emphasized the importance of removing synthetic dyes from food, as they have been associated with various health problems. He criticized the FDA for not conducting sufficient post-market analysis on these additives and urged for stricter regulations to ensure the safety of consumers.
The move to ban Red No. 3 comes at a time when there is growing public concern over the use of artificial ingredients in food products. The petition to remove the dye from foods, supplements, and medications was presented by the Center for Science in the Public Interest and supported by 23 other organizations and scientists.
With the FDA responding to public pressure and increasing scrutiny on food additives, it is expected that Red No. 3 will soon be phased out of the American food supply. This decision reflects a broader trend towards cleaner and healthier eating habits, as consumers become more aware of the potential risks associated with artificial dyes and additives.
