Natural And Artificial Colors Red 3 And 40

Red 3 (Erythrosine) and Red 40 (Allura Red AC) are synthetic food colors. They are produced from petroleum and are used to give foods and beverages a red hue.

These artificial colors are added to a wide variety of foods and drinks to enhance their visual appeal. Common applications include candies, desserts, beverages, and other processed foods where a specific red color is desired.

Red 3 was revoked by the FDA for food use in January 2025, with manufacturers having until January 2027 to comply. This revocation was due to evidence of it causing cancer in male rats, though the FDA stated this finding is not relevant to human risk. California's Food Safety Act (AB 418) also bans Red 3 in food from 2027. JECFA has evaluated Red 3 and set an acceptable daily intake. Red 40 is an FDA-approved artificial color and is part of the FDA's announced plan in April 2025 to phase out petroleum-based synthetic dyes. JECFA has evaluated Red 40 and set an acceptable daily intake. Some studies suggest a link between synthetic food dyes and hyperactivity in some children, but evidence is mixed, and regulatory bodies like the FDA state that current evidence does not establish a causal link for the general population, though some sensitive individuals may react.