The Following: Red 40 Lake
This entry is a label phrase. See the main ingredient page: Red 40 Lake.
What is The Following: Red 40 Lake?
Red 40 Lake is a synthetic color additive derived from petroleum. It is made by combining the dye Red 40 with an insoluble material, typically aluminum hydroxide, to create a pigment that is stable in various food applications.
Is The Following: Red 40 Lake vegan?
The Following: Red 40 Lake is not animal-derived. Products that contain it can still include other animal-derived ingredients, so check the full ingredient list.
Is The Following: Red 40 Lake a major allergen?
Not a major allergen.
What is The Following: Red 40 Lake used for?
Manufacturers add Red 40 Lake to give foods a red color.
Is The Following: Red 40 Lake safe?
Red 40 Lake is an FDA-approved color additive for use in food.
Why it's used
Manufacturers add Red 40 Lake to give foods a red color. Because it is a lake pigment, it does not dissolve in water, making it useful for coloring products with low moisture or where color stability is important, such as in baked goods, candies, and snack coatings.
Health notes
Red 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, including Red 40 and its lake form. The Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) has evaluated Red 40 and set an acceptable daily intake. Some studies have suggested a link between synthetic food dyes and hyperactivity in some children, but the evidence is mixed, and major regulatory bodies like the FDA state that these dyes are safe for most people at current intake levels.
Allergen info
Not a major allergen.
Foods that contain The Following: Red 40 Lake
Compare products →Learn more
Auto-generated content. This description was generated automatically and is pending editorial review. Inaccuracies are possible. Found a mistake? Contact us.