What Is Red 40 (Allura Red AC)? Safety, Risks & Alternatives

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E-Number	E129
FDA Status	FDA-approved since 1971. Currently under review as part of the 2025-2026 FDA food dye reassessment. Listed on the FDA's …
EFSA Status	EFSA re-evaluated in 2009 and maintained approval with an ADI of 7 mg/kg body weight/day. EU requires warning label: 'ma…
ADI	7 mg/kg body weight/day (EFSA, 2009)
Severity	High Risk (9/10)
Category	Artificial Color

What Is Red 40 (Allura Red AC)?

A synthetic azo dye derived from petroleum, used to give food a bright red color. It is the most widely used food dye in the United States, found in candy, beverages, cereals, and snacks.

Mechanism of Action

Azo dyes are metabolized by intestinal bacteria into aromatic amines. Some research suggests these metabolites may affect neurotransmitter activity. The Southampton study (2007) found that mixtures of artificial colors (including Red 40) combined with sodium benzoate were associated with increased hyperactivity in some children.

Why People Avoid Red 40 (Allura Red AC)

Regulatory Status

🇺🇸 FDA

FDA-approved since 1971. Currently under review as part of the 2025-2026 FDA food dye reassessment. Listed on the FDA's certified color additives list.

🇪🇺 EFSA

EFSA re-evaluated in 2009 and maintained approval with an ADI of 7 mg/kg body weight/day. EU requires warning label: 'may have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children' (Regulation EC 1333/2008).

Regulatory Timeline

1971 FDA approves Red 40 as a replacement for Red 2

2007 Southampton Study links artificial color mixtures to hyperactivity in children

2008 EU mandates warning labels on products containing Red 40

2009 EFSA re-evaluates and maintains ADI of 7 mg/kg/day

2011 FDA advisory committee votes 8-6 that evidence does not support a causal link to hyperactivity

2021 California AB 660 requires warning labels on products with Red 40

2025 FDA begins phased review of petroleum-based food dyes

Banned/Restricted In

Products Containing Red 40 (Allura Red AC) (826 found in our database)

Safer Alternatives

Scientific Sources

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Red 40 (Allura Red AC)?: A synthetic azo dye derived from petroleum, used to give food a bright red color. It is the most widely used food dye in the United States, found in candy, beverages, cereals, and snacks.
Is Red 40 (Allura Red AC) safe?: Red 40 (Allura Red AC) is FDA-approved since 1971. Currently under review as part of the 2025-2026 FDA food dye reassessment. . EFSA re-evaluated in 2009 and maintained approval with an ADI of 7 mg/kg body weight/day. EU require.
Where is Red 40 (Allura Red AC) banned?: Red 40 (Allura Red AC) is banned or restricted in: EU (requires warning label), Norway, Austria, Finland, France.
What are alternatives to Red 40 (Allura Red AC)?: Safer alternatives to Red 40 (Allura Red AC) include: Beet juice extract, Carmine (cochineal, not vegan), Paprika oleoresin, Lycopene (tomato extract), Anthocyanins (grape skin, elderberry).
How can I avoid Red 40 (Allura Red AC)?: Download CheckIt AI and scan any product's barcode or ingredient label. The app will flag Red 40 (Allura Red AC) and suggest safer alternatives.
What foods contain Red 40 (Allura Red AC)?: Red 40 (Allura Red AC) is commonly found in: Skittles, Doritos, Gatorade, Froot Loops, Twizzlers, Jell-O, Mountain Dew Code Red. Our database has flagged it in 826 products.
What are the side effects of Red 40 (Allura Red AC)?: Concerns about Red 40 (Allura Red AC) include: Research associations with behavioral changes in children (McCann et al., 2007); EU requires warning labels — many parents prefer to avoid; Some individuals report sensitivity reactions (hives, headaches).
Is Red 40 (Allura Red AC) natural or artificial?: Red 40 (Allura Red AC) is a synthetic (artificial) ingredient. Azo dyes are metabolized by intestinal bacteria into aromatic amines. Some research suggests these metabolites may affec.

⚕️ This page provides ingredient information for educational purposes only. It is not medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional for personalized dietary guidance.

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📋 Cite This Data

APA

CheckIt AI. (2026). "What Is Red 40 (Allura Red AC)? Safety, Risks & Alternatives | CheckIt AI". Climaverse PBC. Retrieved from https://getcheck.it/ingredients/red-40

MLA

"What Is Red 40 (Allura Red AC)? Safety, Risks & Alternatives | CheckIt AI." CheckIt AI, Climaverse PBC, 2026-03-08. https://getcheck.it/ingredients/red-40.

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<a href="https://getcheck.it/ingredients/red-40">What Is Red 40 (Allura Red AC)? Safety, Risks & Alternatives | CheckIt AI — CheckIt AI</a>

BibTeX

@misc{checkit2026ingredientsred40,
  title = {What Is Red 40 (Allura Red AC)? Safety, Risks & Alternatives | CheckIt AI},
  author = {CheckIt AI},
  year = {2026},
  publisher = {Climaverse PBC},
  url = {https://getcheck.it/ingredients/red-40},
  note = {Retrieved 2026-03-08}
}

#	Product	Brand	Score
1	CORNER STORE, GUMMY WORMS	Hot Stop Foods	0/100
2	FROSTED STRAWBERRY TOASTER PASTRIES, FROSTED STRAWBERRY	The Kellogg Company	0/100
3	JELLY BEANS, STINK BUG, TOASTED MARSHMALLOW, DIRTY DISHWATER, BIRTHDAY CAKE, ROTTEN EGG, BUTTERED POPCORN, TOOTHPASTE, BERRY BLUE, BARF, PEACH, CANNED DOG FOOD, CHOCOLATE PUDDING, BOOGER, JUICY PEAR, SPOILED MILK, COCONUT, STINKY SOCKS, TUTTI-FRUITTI, DEAD FISH, STRAWBERRY BANANA SMOOTHIE	Jelly Belly Candy Company	0/100
4	JELLY BEANS, STINK BUG, TOASTED MARSHMALLOW, DIRTY DISHWATER, BIRTHDAY CAKE, ROTTEN EGG, BUTTERED POPCORN, TOOTHPASTE, BERRY BLUE, BARF, PEACH, CANNED DOG FOOD, CHOCOLATE PUDDING, BOOGER, JUICY PEAR, SPOILED MILK, COCONUT, STINKY SOCKS, TUTTI-FRUITTI, DEAD FISH, STRAWBERRY BANANA SMOOTHIE	Jelly Belly Candy Company	0/100
5	JELLY BEANS, STINK BUG, TOASTED MARSHMALLOW, DIRTY DISHWATER, BIRTHDAY CAKE, ROTTEN EGG, BUTTERED POPCORN, TOOTHPASTE, BERRY BLUE, BARF, PEACH, CANNED DOG FOOD, CHOCOLATE PUDDING, BOOGER, JUICY PEAR, SPOILED MILK, COCONUT, STINKY SOCKS, TUTTI-FRUITTI, DEAD FISH, STRAWBERRY BANANA SMOOTHIE	Jelly Belly Candy Company	0/100
6	PRINGLES CRISPS CHEESEBURGER 5.96OZ	Kellogg Company US	0/100
7	Pringles Crisps Cheeseburger 5.5oz	Kellogg Company US	0/100
8	Pringles Crisps Memphis Original Bbq 5.5oz	Kellogg Company US	0/100
9	NABISCO CHIPS AHOY! COOKIES CANDY 1X12.400 OZ	Mondelez Int. US (0074819091009)	0/100
10	FRUITY PEBBLES SWEETENED RICE CEREAL, FRUITY PEBBLES	Post Consumer Brands, LLC	0/100

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