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

FD&C Blue #1 and FD&C Red #40 are synthetic food dyes produced from petroleum. They are created through chemical synthesis to provide specific colors.

These dyes are added to foods and beverages to enhance their visual appeal, providing vibrant blue and red colors. They are commonly found in soft drinks, candies, baked goods, and snack foods.

FD&C Blue #1 and FD&C Red #40 are approved food additives by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). In April 2025, the FDA announced a plan to phase out petroleum-based synthetic dyes, including Red 40 and Blue 1. While the FDA considers these dyes safe for consumption at current levels, some studies have suggested a possible link between synthetic food dyes and hyperactivity in some children, though evidence is mixed and not conclusive. The Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) has evaluated both dyes and set an acceptable daily intake. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has also evaluated them.