FD&C Red Lake #40

FD&C Red Lake #40 is a synthetic color additive. It is an insoluble form, or "lake," of FD&C Red #40, which is derived from petroleum. Lake pigments are made by combining a dye with a metallic salt, typically aluminum.

This ingredient is used to give foods a red color. Because it is insoluble, it is often used in products with fats and oils, dry mixes, or for coating and dusting. It is commonly found in candies, baked goods, snack foods, and frostings.

FD&C Red Lake #40 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 lake forms. Some studies have suggested a possible link between synthetic food dyes, including Red 40, and hyperactivity in some children, though evidence is mixed. The FDA states that current scientific evidence does not establish a causal link between these dyes and hyperactivity in the general population, but acknowledges that some children may be sensitive. JECFA and EFSA have both evaluated Red 40 and set an acceptable daily intake.