FD&C Red #40 And Red #3
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What it is
FD&C Red #40 and FD&C Red #3 are synthetic food colors made from petroleum. Red #40 is an azo dye, and Red #3 is a xanthene dye.
Why it's used
These dyes are added to foods to give them a red color. They are commonly found in products such as sausages, hot dogs, cakes, cupcakes, snack cakes, and chocolate.
Health notes
FD&C Red #40 is an FDA-approved synthetic color, though the FDA announced a plan in April 2025 to phase out petroleum-based synthetic dyes, including Red #40. For FD&C Red #3, the FDA revoked its use in food in January 2025, with manufacturers having until January 2027 to comply; this was due to findings that Red #3 caused cancer in male rats, triggering the Delaney Clause, though the FDA stated this finding is not relevant to human risk. California's Food Safety Act also bans Red #3 in food from 2027. Some studies have suggested a link between synthetic food dyes and hyperactivity in some children, but the evidence is mixed. JECFA has evaluated both Red #40 and Red #3, setting an acceptable daily intake for each.
Allergen info
Not a major allergen.