FD&C Red No. 40: Allura Red AC

FD&C Red No. 40 is the workhorse of the food industry, providing a vibrant, warm red-to-orange hue. Because of its high stability and low cost, it has largely replaced older red dyes like Red No. 2 and Red No. 3 in most processed foods.

Quick Facts: Red No. 40 at a Glance

Attribute	Detail
Common Names	Allura Red AC, E129, C.I. 16035, Food Red 17
Hue	Vibrant Red with yellowish/orange undertones
Solubility	Highly soluble in water (150 g/L} slightly soluble in ethanol
Origin	A synthetic azo dye derived from petroleum

Attribute	Detail
Common Names	Allura Red AC, E129, C.I. 16035, Food Red 17
Hue	Vibrant Red with yellowish/orange undertones
Solubility	Highly soluble in water (150 g/L} slightly soluble in ethanol
Origin	A synthetic azo dye derived from petroleum

History and 2026 Phase-Out

Red No. 40 was approved by the FDA in 1971. However, as of April 2025, the FDA announced a major initiative to phase out petroleum-based dyes, including Red No. 40, from the American food supply. Many major manufacturers have pledged to eliminate it from school meals by the 2026 school year and from their full retail portfolios by 2027.

Red 40 vs. Red 40 Lake

You will often see two versions of this dye on labels:

Red 40: The water-soluble form used in beverages, gelatins, and puddings.
Red 40 Lake: An insoluble form (usually combined with aluminum) used in low-moisture products like chewing gum, cake frostings, and tablet coatings to prevent the color from bleeding.

Common Food and Household Uses

Confections: Gummy candies, licorice, and fruit snacks.
Beverages: Sodas, sports drinks, and powdered drink mixes.
Processed Foods: Cereals (like Trix), flavored chips, and snacks.
Cosmetics & Drugs: Lipsticks, blushes, children’s liquid medications, and vitamin coatings.

🎨 The Complete Guide to Food Coloring Safety This article is part of my comprehensive series on synthetic food dyes and their impact on health and regulation.

Main Overview: Why Do They Put Synthetic Colors in Foods?

Related Guides: Blue No. 1, Yellow No. 6, and Green No. 3.

Safety and Sensitivity Concerns

Red No. 40 has been heavily scrutinized, leading to several health-related debates:

Hyperactivity: Numerous studies, including the famous Southampton Study, suggest a link between Red 40 and increased hyperactivity in susceptible children, particularly those with ADHD.
Allergic Reactions: While rare, some individuals experience hives, itching, or swelling after consumption.
Colonic Health: Recent studies (2023–2025) in mouse models suggest that chronic exposure may promote colonic inflammation or affect gut microbiome health.
Purity Standards: Every batch must be certified by the FDA to ensure it does not exceed strict limits for contaminants like lead or arsenic.

1. The “Petroleum” Clarification

Readers often get alarmed by the phrase “derived from petroleum.” You might add a small note clarifying that while the starting materials come from petroleum, the final dye is a highly purified chemical compound that contains no actual gasoline or oil. It helps balance the “scary” science with grounded facts.

2. Why it “Bleeds” (or Doesn’t)

In your Red 40 vs. Red 40 Lake section, you could mention that Red 40 Lake is the reason why the red “M” on an M&M doesn’t stain your tongue instantly, whereas a Red 40-dyed drink does. It’s a relatable example of “color migration.”