Ingredient · E129

C Red #40

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Source
Not animal-derived
Allergen
No
Role in food
Manufacturers add Red 40 to give foods and beverages a bright red color. It …

What it is

Red 40, also known as Allura Red AC, is a synthetic food dye. It is produced from petroleum and is one of the most commonly used artificial red colorants in the food industry.

Why it's used

Manufacturers add Red 40 to give foods and beverages a bright red color. It is widely used in items like powdered drinks, candies, baked goods, and snack foods to enhance their visual appeal.

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. JECFA has evaluated Red 40 and set an acceptable daily intake, and EFSA has also evaluated its safety. Some studies have suggested a possible link between synthetic food dyes, including Red 40, and hyperactivity in some children, but the evidence is mixed and more research is ongoing.

Allergen info

Not a major allergen.

Products containing C Red #40

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4C Foods Corp. Iced Tea Mix Powdered Drinks 389kcal 0Protein 0Fat 94.4Carbs 4C Foods Corp. Iced Tea Mix Powdered Drinks 389kcal 0Protein 0Fat 100Carbs Gourmet Fruit Woods Patriotic Fondant Cake Cakes, Cupcakes, Snack Cakes High in saturated fat — 35% DV per serving 425kcal 1.8Protein 17.3Fat 69.9Carbs Gourmet Fruit Woods Fondant Cake, Watermelon Cakes, Cupcakes, Snack Cakes High in saturated fat — 35% DV per serving 425kcal 1.8Protein 17.3Fat 69.9Carbs SALSA PARA MARISCOS CULICHI Seafood Hot Sauce Ketchup, Mustard, BBQ & Cheese Sauce High in sodium — 27% DV per serving 36kcal 0Protein 0Fat 3.6Carbs Chicles Canel's Sa De Cv Pica Leta Soft Candy Lollipop, Tamarind, Hot Pepper Candy 353kcal 0Protein 0Fat 70.6Carbs Presidio Brands, Inc. Soft Candy Watermelon & Tamarind Flavor, Watermelon & Tamarind Candy 1300kcal 0Protein 0Fat 91.7Carbs Little Waisted LLC Designer Cookie Kit - Pre-Baked Cookies, Cookie Icing, Glittery Sugar, Accessories, Vanilla Cake, Cookie & Cupcake Mixes High in saturated fat — 20% DV per serving High in added sugars — 56% DV per serving 421kcal 3.5Protein 14.0Fat 70.2Carbs 4C Foods Corp. Raspberry Flavor Iced Tea Mix, Raspberry Powdered Drinks 389kcal 0Protein 0Fat 100Carbs 4C Foods Corp. Peach Iced Tea Mix, Peach Powdered Drinks 389kcal 0Protein 0Fat 100Carbs 4C Foods Corp. Naturally Decaffeinated Lemon Flavor Iced Tea Mix, Lemon Alcohol 389kcal 0Protein 0Fat 100Carbs 4C Foods Corp. Lemon Flavor Iced Tea Mix, Lemon Powdered Drinks 389kcal 0Protein 0Fat 100Carbs
Sugar (12 products) Citric Acid (10 products) Caramel Color (6 products) Artificial Color (6 products) Instant Tea (5 products) Natural And Artificial Flavors (5 products) Salt (5 products) Corn Syrup (4 products) Fd (4 products) Artificial Flavors (3 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.