Includes Red 40

Red 40, also known as Allura Red AC, is a synthetic food coloring. It is a petroleum-based dye manufactured through chemical synthesis.

Manufacturers add Red 40 to foods to give them a red color. It is commonly found in candies, pastries, snacks, beverages, and cereals to enhance their visual appeal.

Red 40 is an FDA-approved color additive for use in food. JECFA has evaluated Red 40 and set an acceptable daily intake. EFSA has also evaluated Red 40 and established an acceptable daily intake. Some studies have suggested a link between synthetic food dyes, including Red 40, and hyperactivity in some children, though evidence is mixed and not conclusive across all studies. In April 2025, the FDA announced a plan to phase out petroleum-based synthetic dyes, including Red 40.