Ingredient · E129

Red Dye # 40

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Source

Not animal-derived

Allergen

Role in food

Manufacturers add Red Dye #40 to give foods and beverages a red color. It …

What it is

Red Dye #40, also known as Allura Red AC, is a synthetic color additive. It is an azo dye made from petroleum. It is one of the most commonly used food dyes in the United States.

Why it's used

Manufacturers add Red Dye #40 to give foods and beverages a red color. It is often found in products like sausages, hotdogs, wholesome snacks, gelatin, and desserts.

Health notes

Red Dye #40 is an FDA-approved color additive for use in food, drugs, and cosmetics. In April 2025, the FDA announced a plan to phase out petroleum-based synthetic dyes, including Red 40. JECFA has evaluated Red Dye #40 and set an acceptable daily intake, as has EFSA. Some studies have explored a potential link between synthetic food dyes, including Red Dye #40, and hyperactivity in some children; however, the evidence is mixed, and the FDA states that for most children, there is no proven link.

Allergen info

Not a major allergen.

Products containing Red Dye # 40

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Roger Wood Foods, Inc. Chicken, Pork And Beef Sausage, Red Hots Sausages, Hotdogs & Brats High in sodium — 34% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 25% DV per serving High in cholesterol — 20% DV per serving 257kcal 11.4Protein 20Fat 7.1Carbs Food Town Stores Inc. Applesauce, Strawberry Wholesome Snacks 80kcal 0Protein 0Fat 19.5Carbs Hannaford Bros. Co. Applesauce, Strawberry Wholesome Snacks 80kcal 0Protein 0Fat 19.5Carbs Land O'Frost, Inc. Fully Cooked Natural Casing Wieners Sausages, Hotdogs & Brats High in saturated fat — 25% DV per serving 306kcal 12.2Protein 26.5Fat 2.0Carbs Land O'Frost, Inc. Skinless Wieners Sausages, Hotdogs & Brats High in sodium — 21% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 25% DV per serving 319kcal 10.6Protein 27.7Fat 4.3Carbs

Land O'Frost, Inc. Hot Dogs Sausages, Hotdogs & Brats High in sodium — 20% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 20% DV per serving 267kcal 11.1Protein 24.4Fat 4.4Carbs Land O'Frost, Inc. Beef Hot Dogs, Beef Sausages, Hotdogs & Brats 244kcal 15.6Protein 17.8Fat 6.7Carbs Land O'Frost, Inc. Tomboy Stadium Hot Dogs Sausages, Hotdogs & Brats High in sodium — 33% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 35% DV per serving 280kcal 12Protein 24Fat 4Carbs Morrilton Packing Co Inc Smoke Old Style Hot Dog, Smoke Old Style Sausages, Hotdogs & Brats High in saturated fat — 20% DV per serving 289kcal 11.1Protein 26.7Fat 4.4Carbs Junket Foods LLC Raspberry Danish Dessert, Raspberry Gelatin, Gels, Pectins & Desserts High in added sugars — 50% DV per serving 382kcal 0Protein 0Fat 94.1Carbs Land O'Frost, Inc. Hot Dogs Sausages, Hotdogs & Brats High in sodium — 20% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 20% DV per serving 267kcal 11.1Protein 24.4Fat 4.4Carbs Land O'Frost, Inc. Hot Dogs Sausages, Hotdogs & Brats High in sodium — 20% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 20% DV per serving 267kcal 11.1Protein 24.4Fat 4.4Carbs

Last updated: September 28, 2026

Note: This site presents label data from USDA FoodData Central for general information. It is not medical advice. Check the package label; formulations change.