Red No. 40 Lake

Red No. 40 Lake is a synthetic red color additive. It is made by combining the dye Red No. 40 (Allura Red AC) with an aluminum base, which makes it insoluble in water. This form of the dye is particularly useful for coloring products that contain fats or have very little moisture.

Manufacturers add Red No. 40 Lake to give foods a red color that is stable in fat-based or low-moisture environments. It is commonly found in candies, chocolates, snack foods, and baked goods. Its insolubility helps prevent color bleeding in certain products.

Red No. 40 Lake 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, which includes Red No. 40. Some studies have suggested a link between synthetic food colors, including Red No. 40, and hyperactivity in some children, though evidence remains mixed and not all studies have found a consistent link. The Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) has evaluated Red No. 40 and established an acceptable daily intake.