Ingredient · E129

And Red 40

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Source
Not animal-derived
Allergen
No
Role in food
Manufacturers add Red 40 to foods and beverages to give them a vibrant red …

What it is

Red 40, also known as Allura Red AC, is a synthetic food coloring. It is produced from petroleum and is one of the most commonly used food dyes in the United States.

Why it's used

Manufacturers add Red 40 to foods and beverages to give them a vibrant red color. It is frequently found in candies, cereals, snack foods, soft drinks, and desserts.

Health notes

Red 40 is an FDA-approved color additive for use in food, drugs, and cosmetics. In April 2025, the FDA announced a plan to phase out petroleum-based synthetic dyes, including Red 40. The Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) has evaluated Red 40 and established an acceptable daily intake. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has also evaluated it. Some studies suggest a potential link between synthetic food dyes, including Red 40, and hyperactivity in some children, particularly those who may be sensitive; however, scientific evidence on this topic is mixed.

Allergen info

Red 40 is not derived from any of the nine major food allergens.

Products containing And Red 40

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GENERAL MILLS SALES INC. Gushers Mouth Mixers Fruit Flavored Snacks 6 Count Snacks 346kcal 0Protein 5.8Fat 80.8Carbs Doritos Nacho Cheese Tortilla Chips 1.75 Ounce Plastic Bag Frito Lay Doritos Nacho Cheese Tortilla Chips 1.75 Ounce Plastic Bag Snacks 484kcal 6.0Protein 28.2Fat 56.5Carbs Riverside Foods Premium Reuben Bites 4626 Cheese/Cheese Substitutes High in sodium — 37% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 20% DV per serving 207kcal 10.1Protein 6.1Fat 26.3Carbs Gushers Flavor Mixers Fruit Flavored Snacks 6 Count GENERAL MILLS SALES INC. Gushers Flavor Mixers Fruit Flavored Snacks 6 Count Snacks 348kcal 0Protein 4.3Fat 78.3Carbs Munchies Cheese Fix Snack Mix 8 Ounce Plastic Bag Pepsico Inc. Munchies Cheese Fix Snack Mix 8 Ounce Plastic Bag Snacks 500kcal 7.1Protein 25Fat 64.3Carbs Pepsico Inc. Munchies Rold Gold Doritos Cheetos Sun Chips Cheese Fix Snack Mix 3.25 Ounce Plastic Bag Snacks 500kcal 7.1Protein 25Fat 64.3Carbs Pepsico Inc. Doritos Nacho Cheese Tortilla Chips 11 Ounce Bag Snacks 500kcal 7.1Protein 28.6Fat 57.1Carbs Riverside Foods Premium Ham & Cheese Bites 4625 Cheese/Cheese Substitutes High in sodium — 35% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 25% DV per serving 233kcal 11Protein 9Fat 25Carbs Doritos Nacho Cheese Flavored Tortilla Chips 16 Ounce Party Size Bag Pepsico Inc. Doritos Nacho Cheese Flavored Tortilla Chips 16 Ounce Party Size Bag Snacks 500kcal 7.1Protein 28.6Fat 57.1Carbs Pepsico Inc. Doritos Top N Go Nacho Cheese Tortilla Chips 3.0 Ounce Plastic Bag Snacks 500kcal 7.1Protein 28.6Fat 57.1Carbs Western Family Foods, Inc. Caffeine Free Soda Soda 51kcal 0Protein 0Fat 13.0Carbs Western Family Foods, Inc. Calorie Free Diet Soda, Orange Soda 0kcal 0Protein 0Fat 0Carbs
Citric Acid (87 products) Sugar (82 products) Yellow 5 (55 products) Corn Syrup (51 products) Salt (45 products) Lactic Acid (41 products) Yellow 6 (39 products) Water (34 products) Natural Flavors (34 products) Natural And Artificial Flavor (31 products)

Last updated: September 28, 2026

Note: This site presents label data from USDA FoodData Central for general information. It is not medical advice. Check the package label; formulations change.