Including Red 40
This entry is a label phrase. See the main ingredient page: Red 40.
What is Including Red 40?
Red 40, also known as Allura Red AC, is a synthetic food dye that gives foods a red color. It is produced from petroleum.
Is Including Red 40 vegan?
Including Red 40 is not animal-derived. Products that contain it can still include other animal-derived ingredients, so check the full ingredient list.
Is Including Red 40 a major allergen?
Not a major allergen.
What is Including Red 40 used for?
Manufacturers add Red 40 to enhance the visual appeal of food and beverages.
Is Including Red 40 safe?
Red 40 is an FDA-approved food additive for use in the United States.
Why it's used
Manufacturers add Red 40 to enhance the visual appeal of food and beverages. It is commonly found in candies, snacks, cereals, soft drinks, and baked goods.
Health notes
Red 40 is an FDA-approved food additive for use in the United States. The Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) has evaluated Red 40 and set an acceptable daily intake. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has also evaluated this dye. There have been ongoing discussions and some studies suggesting a possible link between synthetic food dyes, including Red 40, and hyperactivity in some children; however, the evidence is mixed and not conclusive across all studies. In April 2025, the FDA announced a plan to phase out petroleum-based synthetic dyes, which includes Red 40.
Allergen info
Not a major allergen.
Foods that contain Including Red 40
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