Including FD&C Red 40 Lake

FD&C Red 40 Lake is a color additive. It is made by combining the water-soluble dye FD&C Red 40 with an insoluble substance, typically aluminum hydroxide, to create a pigment. This process makes the color stable and suitable for products with low moisture or those that need a more durable color.

This ingredient is used to add a red color to a wide variety of foods. It is often found in products like candies, snacks, baked goods, and coatings where a stable, non-bleeding color is desired. Its insoluble nature helps the color stay put in foods with fats or oils.

FD&C Red 40 Lake is an FDA-approved color additive for use in foods. In April 2025, the FDA announced a plan to phase out petroleum-based synthetic dyes, including Red 40, from food products. Both the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) have evaluated FD&C Red 40 and set acceptable daily intakes. Some studies have suggested a possible link between synthetic food dyes and hyperactivity in some children, but the scientific evidence on this topic is mixed and requires further research.