Ingredient · E129

Contains Less Than 0.5% Of The Following: Red #40 Lake

Source
Not animal-derived
Allergen
No
Role in food
Manufacturers add Red #40 Lake to color a variety of foods, especially those with …

What is Contains Less Than 0.5% Of The Following: Red #40 Lake?

Red #40 Lake is a color additive used to give foods a red hue. It is made by taking the water-soluble dye Red #40 and combining it with a metal salt, usually aluminum hydroxide, to create an insoluble pigment.

Is Contains Less Than 0.5% Of The Following: Red #40 Lake vegan?

Contains Less Than 0.5% Of The Following: Red #40 Lake is not animal-derived. Products that contain it can still include other animal-derived ingredients, so check the full ingredient list.

Is Contains Less Than 0.5% Of The Following: Red #40 Lake a major allergen?

Not a major allergen.

What is Contains Less Than 0.5% Of The Following: Red #40 Lake used for?

Manufacturers add Red #40 Lake to color a variety of foods, especially those with low moisture or high fat content, such as candies, baked goods, and frostings.

Is Contains Less Than 0.5% Of The Following: Red #40 Lake safe?

Red #40 Lake is an FDA-approved color additive for use in food.

Why it's used

Manufacturers add Red #40 Lake to color a variety of foods, especially those with low moisture or high fat content, such as candies, baked goods, and frostings. Its insoluble nature helps prevent the color from bleeding or migrating within the food.

Health notes

Red #40 Lake is an FDA-approved color additive for use in food. In April 2025, the FDA announced a plan to phase out petroleum-based synthetic dyes, including Red 40 and its lakes. JECFA has evaluated Red #40 (Allura Red AC) and set an acceptable daily intake. EFSA has also evaluated it. Some studies have suggested a possible link between synthetic food colors, including Red #40, and hyperactivity in some sensitive children, though evidence is mixed and more research is ongoing.

Allergen info

Not a major allergen.

Foods that contain Contains Less Than 0.5% Of The Following: Red #40 Lake

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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.