E129

E129, also known as Allura Red AC or Red 40, is a synthetic red food dye. It is manufactured from petroleum and is one of the most commonly used food colors.

Manufacturers add E129 to foods and drinks to give them a red color. It is frequently found in items like candy, soft drinks, snack foods, cereals, and baked goods.

In the United States, E129 is an FDA-approved color additive. JECFA (the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives) has evaluated E129 and set an acceptable daily intake. EFSA (the European Food Safety Authority) has also evaluated its safety. Some studies have suggested a possible link between synthetic food dyes, including E129, and hyperactivity in some children, though evidence is mixed and not all studies agree. In April 2025, the FDA announced a plan to phase out petroleum-based synthetic dyes, including Red 40.