Including Fd&c: Red #40

FD&C Red #40, also known as Allura Red AC, is a synthetic red food dye. It is manufactured from petroleum and is one of the most commonly used food colors in the United States.

Manufacturers add FD&C Red #40 to foods and beverages to impart a red color. It is frequently found in candies, cereals, soft drinks, baked goods, and snack foods, helping to make products visually appealing.

In the United States, FD&C Red #40 is an FDA-approved color additive for use in food. JECFA (the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives) has evaluated it and set an acceptable daily intake, as has the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). Some studies suggest a link between synthetic food dyes, including Red #40, and hyperactivity in some sensitive children; however, the evidence is mixed, and regulatory bodies like the FDA state that the current evidence does not establish a causal link for the general population. In April 2025, the FDA announced a plan to phase out petroleum-based synthetic dyes, including Red #40.