Red No. 3 & 40
What is Red No. 3 & 40?
Red No. 3 (Erythrosine) and Red No. 40 (Allura Red AC) are synthetic food colors. They are petroleum-based dyes created through chemical synthesis to impart red or cherry-pink hues to products.
Is Red No. 3 & 40 vegan?
Red No. 3 & 40 is not animal-derived. Products that contain it can still include other animal-derived ingredients, so check the full ingredient list.
Is Red No. 3 & 40 a major allergen?
Neither Red No. 3 nor Red No. 40 is derived from any of the nine major food allergens.
What is Red No. 3 & 40 used for?
These artificial colors are added to a wide range of foods, beverages, and cosmetics to enhance their visual appeal.
Is Red No. 3 & 40 safe?
The regulatory status of these dyes is changing.
Why it's used
These artificial colors are added to a wide range of foods, beverages, and cosmetics to enhance their visual appeal. They are commonly found in candies, baked goods, soft drinks, and processed snacks.
Health notes
The regulatory status of these dyes is changing. The FDA revoked Red No. 3 for use in food in January 2025, with manufacturers having until January 2027 to comply; this revocation was due to cancer in male rats, which the FDA states is not relevant to human risk. In April 2025, the FDA announced a plan to phase out petroleum-based synthetic dyes, including Red No. 40. JECFA has evaluated both dyes and set acceptable daily intakes. For Red No. 40, some studies suggest a link to hyperactivity in children, but the evidence is mixed, and regulatory bodies like the FDA state there is no conclusive evidence for a general population link.
Allergen info
Neither Red No. 3 nor Red No. 40 is derived from any of the nine major food allergens.
Foods that contain Red No. 3 & 40
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