And Red Lake #40

Red Lake #40 is a synthetic color additive. It is the "lake" form of FD&C Red No. 40, meaning the dye is absorbed onto a base, typically aluminum hydroxide, which makes it insoluble in water. This form is useful for coloring products where the color needs to stay stable and not bleed, such as in fats or dry mixes.

Manufacturers add Red Lake #40 to provide a bright red color to foods and beverages. Because it is insoluble, it is often used in products with low moisture content or high fat content, such as seasoning mixes, snack foods, baked goods, and candies.

Red Lake #40 is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a color additive for use in food. In April 2025, 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 Allura Red AC (the soluble form of Red 40) and set an acceptable daily intake. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has also evaluated it. Some studies have suggested a link between synthetic food colors, including Red 40, and hyperactivity in some children, though evidence remains mixed and not all studies have found a consistent connection.