Red #40 Dye

Red #40 Dye, also known as Allura Red AC, is a synthetic color additive. It is an azo dye, meaning it contains a specific chemical bond (an azo group), and is derived from petroleum.

Manufacturers add Red #40 Dye to foods to impart a red or orange color. It is commonly found in a wide variety of processed foods, including candies, beverages, baked goods, cereals, and snacks.

Red #40 Dye is an FDA-approved color additive for use in food. In April 2025, the FDA announced a plan to phase out petroleum-based synthetic dyes, including Red #40. Some studies have suggested a link between synthetic food dyes, including Red #40, and hyperactivity in some children, though the evidence is mixed and not all studies have found a consistent link. JECFA (the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives) has evaluated Red #40 and set an acceptable daily intake. EFSA (the European Food Safety Authority) has also evaluated this additive.