Red 40 Lake

Red 40 Lake is a color additive derived from Red 40, a synthetic dye. It is made by combining the Red 40 dye with a metallic salt, typically aluminum hydroxide, to create an insoluble pigment. This process makes it suitable for coloring products that contain fats or oils, or those requiring a stable, non-bleeding color.

Manufacturers add Red 40 Lake to provide a red color to a wide range of food products. It is commonly found in candies, baked goods like cookies, snack mixes, and powdered drink mixes, where it helps create visually appealing products.

In the United States, Red 40 Lake is an FDA-approved color additive. In April 2025, the FDA announced a plan to phase out petroleum-based synthetic dyes, including Red 40. 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 Red 40 and set an acceptable daily intake. Some studies have suggested a possible 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.