Red 40: Blue 1

Red 40 and Blue 1 are synthetic food colorings made from petroleum. They are water-soluble and provide bright, stable colors to foods. Red 40 gives a red hue, while Blue 1 provides a blue color.

Manufacturers add Red 40 and Blue 1 to make foods more visually appealing, especially in products marketed to children. They are commonly found in candies, baked goods, beverages, and ice cream. These dyes help maintain color consistency during food processing and storage.

Red 40 and Blue 1 are approved food color additives by the FDA. In April 2025, the FDA announced a plan to phase out several petroleum-based synthetic dyes, including Red 40 and Blue 1. The WHO/IARC has not classified Red 40 or Blue 1 as carcinogenic. Some studies have suggested a possible link between certain synthetic food dyes and hyperactivity in some children, but the evidence is mixed and not conclusive. JECFA and EFSA have evaluated these colorings and established acceptable daily intakes.