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

FD&C Red 40 and FD&C Blue 1 are synthetic food colorings. They are manufactured from petroleum-based raw materials through chemical synthesis. These dyes are used to add or restore color to various food products.

Manufacturers add these dyes to give foods and beverages a specific red or blue color, or to enhance their visual appeal. They are commonly found in candies, soft drinks, baked goods, dairy products, and other processed foods.

Both FD&C Red 40 and FD&C Blue 1 are approved by the FDA as color additives for use in food. In April 2025, the FDA announced a plan to phase out petroleum-based synthetic dyes, including Red 40 and Blue 1. Concerns have been raised about a possible link between synthetic food dyes and hyperactivity in some children, though scientific evidence on a direct causal link for the general population remains mixed. International bodies like JECFA and EFSA have evaluated both dyes and established acceptable daily intakes.