Red 3 & 40

Red 3 (Erythrosine) and Red 40 (Allura Red AC) are synthetic food colorings derived from petroleum. Red 3 provides a cherry-pink to red hue, while Red 40 offers a bright red color.

These dyes are added to a wide variety of processed foods to enhance their visual appeal. They are commonly found in candies, cereals, baked goods, and beverages to impart a vibrant red color.

Red 3 and Red 40 are FDA-approved color additives. For Red 3, the FDA revoked its use in food in January 2025, with manufacturers having until January 2027 to comply; this action was based on the Delaney Clause due to cancer in male rats, which FDA stated is not relevant to human risk. For Red 40, the FDA announced in April 2025 a plan to phase out petroleum-based synthetic dyes, which includes Red 40. Both Red 3 and Red 40 have been evaluated by JECFA and EFSA, and both bodies have set an acceptable daily intake. Some studies suggest a link between synthetic food colors, including Red 3 and Red 40, and hyperactivity in some children, though evidence is mixed.