Artificial Colors Including Red 40

Artificial colors are synthetic substances created in laboratories to add or restore color to foods. They are typically derived from petroleum. Red 40, also known as Allura Red AC, is one of the most commonly used artificial colors in the United States.

Manufacturers add artificial colors to make foods more visually appealing, to standardize color, or to compensate for color loss during processing and storage. They are frequently found in candies, beverages, baked goods, cereals, and dairy products.

In the United States, artificial colors like Red 40 are approved by the FDA as food additives. The FDA announced in April 2025 a plan to phase out petroleum-based synthetic dyes, including Red 40, Yellow 5, and Yellow 6, from the food supply. Some studies have suggested a link between artificial food dyes and hyperactivity in some children, though the evidence is mixed and not all studies have found a consistent causal relationship. JECFA (the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives) and EFSA (the European Food Safety Authority) have evaluated many artificial colors and set acceptable daily intakes for them. The FDA continues to review the science on the effects of food dyes.