Caramel Color And Red #40

Caramel color is a widely used food coloring made by heating carbohydrates, resulting in colors from yellow to dark brown. Red #40, also known as Allura Red AC, is a synthetic food dye derived from petroleum.

These ingredients are added to foods and beverages to provide color. Caramel color is often used for brown hues in sodas, baked goods, and sauces, while Red #40 imparts a red color to candies, drinks, desserts, and cereals.

Both caramel color and Red #40 are approved color additives by the FDA. JECFA and EFSA have evaluated both ingredients and set acceptable daily intakes. Some caramel colors may contain 4-methylimidazole (4-MeI), which has shown effects in animal studies, but regulatory bodies consider levels in food safe. Red #40 is among the synthetic dyes that some studies suggest may be linked to hyperactivity in certain children, though regulatory bodies have not found conclusive evidence of a causal link for the general population. The FDA announced in April 2025 a plan to phase out petroleum-based synthetic dyes, including Red #40.