Color: FD&C Red No. 40

FD&C Red No. 40 is a synthetic color additive. It is manufactured from petroleum and is one of the most widely used food dyes in the United States.

Manufacturers add FD&C Red No. 40 to give foods and beverages a red color. It is commonly found in candies, cereals, snacks, soft drinks, and fruit-flavored products like juices and nectars.

FD&C Red No. 40 is an FDA-approved color additive for use in foods, 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 it and set an acceptable daily intake. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has also evaluated this additive. Some research has explored a possible link between synthetic food dyes, including Red 40, and hyperactivity in some children, but the evidence is mixed and not conclusive across all studies. The FDA acknowledges these concerns but states that current evidence does not establish a causal link for the general population.