FD&C Blue #1 And FD&C Red #40 Lake

FD&C Blue #1 Lake and FD&C Red #40 Lake are synthetic color additives. They are made by combining the water-soluble dyes FD&C Blue #1 and FD&C Red #40 with a metallic salt, usually aluminum, to create an insoluble pigment. These dyes are derived from petroleum.

These lake colors are added to foods to provide a consistent and vibrant blue and red hue. They are especially useful in products with low moisture or fats, or where it's important to prevent the color from spreading. You can find them in candies, baked goods, snacks, and certain beverages.

Both FD&C Blue #1 Lake and FD&C Red #40 Lake are approved by the FDA as color additives for use in food, requiring certification for each batch. In April 2025, the FDA announced a plan to phase out petroleum-based synthetic dyes, including Red #40 and Blue #1. Both the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) have evaluated these dyes, and JECFA has set an acceptable daily intake. There has been discussion about a possible link between synthetic food colors and hyperactivity in some children, though evidence is mixed and the FDA concludes there is not enough evidence to establish a causal link for the general population.