Is Red Dye 40 Banned? EU vs US Status, Risks & Where It Hides
TL;DR: Red Dye 40 is banned in the EU but allowed in the US (food additives).
Also called Allura Red AC. (E129)
Other names: Allura Red AC, Red 40, E129, FD&C Red No. 40, CI 16035
Is Red Dye 40 banned in the EU?
| EU status | Banned |
|---|---|
| US status | Allowed |
| Risk level | — |
| Where it shows up | Skittles, M&Ms (red/orange), Gatorade (certain flavors), Kool-Aid, Pop-Tarts, Kraft Mac & Cheese |
What is Red Dye 40?
Red Dye 40 (Allura Red AC) is a synthetic petroleum-derived azo dye that produces a bright red-orange color. It belongs to the monoazo chemical class and is highly water-soluble, with the formula C18H14N2Na2O8S2. It replaced amaranth (Red Dye 2), which was banned in the US in 1976 following cancer concerns.
Why is Red Dye 40 used in food?
Food manufacturers use Red Dye 40 because it is inexpensive, highly stable under heat and light, and produces a vivid, consistent red-orange hue that makes products visually appealing. It is used in candies, beverages, breakfast cereals, and cosmetics. Its long shelf life and ability to mix with other synthetic dyes for custom shades make it a formulator favorite.
Is Red Dye 40 dangerous? Documented risks
Red Dye 40 has been linked to several health concerns, particularly in children. The most documented association is with hyperactivity and ADHD-related behavior. A landmark 2007 study in The Lancet (McCann et al.) found that a mixture of six artificial dyes including Red 40, combined with sodium benzoate, significantly increased hyperactivity scores in children ages 3 and 8–9. This prompted EFSA to require the 'may have adverse effect on activity and attention in children' warning label across the EU and UK. A 2012 meta-analysis in Neurotherapeutics (Arnold et al.) confirmed a small but statistically significant deleterious effect of artificial food colors on children's behavior, even in those without diagnosed ADHD. The authors described the effect as a public health issue rather than merely an ADHD issue. Regarding carcinogenicity: commercial batches of Red 40 contain trace amounts of benzidine, an IARC Group 1 human carcinogen. A 1994 study in Food and Chemical Toxicology documented benzidine contamination. The FDA maintains that exposure is below harmful thresholds, but the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) has cited this contamination in multiple ban petitions. Allergic reactions are documented: Red 40 can trigger histamine release leading to hives, rhinitis, and in rare cases anaphylaxis. Cross-reactivity with aspirin is established in aspirin-sensitive individuals. Gut health: A 2021 study in Nature Communications (Kwon et al.) found Red 40 may worsen inflammatory bowel disease and induce colitis-like symptoms in genetically susceptible mice by triggering immune responses in gut-associated lymphoid tissue. In April 2025, HHS Secretary RFK Jr. announced the FDA would phase out Red 40 and 7 other petroleum-based dyes from the US food supply.
Common US products containing Red Dye 40
How to avoid Red Dye 40: safer alternatives
Natural red colorants include beet juice extract (betanin, E162) producing vivid red-to-pink shades used by Annie's Homegrown and Stonyfield. Carmine (E120) from cochineal insects gives stable cherry-red and is used by Dannon and Yoplait. Lycopene from tomatoes provides orange-red tones. Paprika extract and annatto from achiote seeds yield warm orange-reds. Brands including Trader Joe's, Whole Foods 365, and Applegate use only natural colorants. In the UK and EU, reformulation following FSA's 2008 voluntary guidance has been widespread. The challenge is higher cost and reduced stability of natural options under heat and acidic conditions, but technological improvements in encapsulation have made natural dyes increasingly viable for commercial use.
Frequently asked questions about Red Dye 40
Is Red 40 banned in Europe?
Red 40 (Allura Red AC, E129) is not outright banned in the EU. However, since 2010, EU Regulation No. 1333/2008 requires any food containing Red 40 and five other synthetic dyes to carry a visible warning: 'may have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children.' This requirement followed the 2007 Lancet study. In practice, many European manufacturers reformulate to avoid the warning. Norway and Finland historically banned it before EU harmonization in 2001. The UK maintains the same warning label post-Brexit. So while technically legal in the EU, commercial pressure to avoid the label has largely eliminated it from major European products.
What countries ban Red 40?
No major country currently maintains a permanent outright ban. Norway and Finland banned it 1978–2001. The EU and UK require hyperactivity warning labels, creating commercial incentive to reformulate. In the US, the FDA announced a phase-out in April 2025 and California's AB 2316 (2023) bans Red 40 from school meals starting 2028. Individual manufacturers in many countries voluntarily avoid it.
Is Red 40 banned in the US?
As of mid-2025, Red 40 remains technically legal in the US, but the FDA announced in April 2025 it will be phased out. The FDA revoked Red Dye 3 in January 2025 — the first synthetic dye ban in decades — and Red 40's phase-out is underway. No compliance deadline for Red 40 was set as of mid-2025. California bans it from school meals starting 2028.
What does Red 40 do to your body?
In most adults, Red 40 passes through the digestive system without significant absorption. However, it may contribute to hyperactivity and behavioral changes in children, particularly those sensitive to synthetic dyes. In sensitive individuals it can trigger histamine release (hives, sneezing, watery eyes). The azo dye structure is reduced by gut bacteria to aromatic amines. Trace benzidine (a human carcinogen) has been detected in commercial Red 40, though at levels FDA considers non-harmful.
Is Red 40 a carcinogen?
The FDA and EFSA do not classify Red 40 as a proven human carcinogen. However, commercial batches contain trace benzidine (IARC Group 1 carcinogen). Animal studies have not shown carcinogenicity from Red 40 itself at typical dietary doses. CSPI has petitioned for its removal citing benzidine contamination. Current regulatory consensus holds exposure below meaningful cancer risk thresholds, but many researchers advocate a precautionary approach.
What foods have Red 40?
Red 40 is found in Skittles, M&Ms (red/orange), Gatorade (fruit punch), Kool-Aid, Pop-Tarts (certain flavors), Kraft Mac & Cheese, Jell-O, Doritos, PediaSure, Lucky Charms, Little Debbie Swiss Rolls, Flamin' Hot Cheetos, and hundreds of other US candies, cereals, snacks, beverages, and medications. It may also appear in cosmetics and vitamins. Check for 'Red 40,' 'FD&C Red No. 40,' 'Allura Red AC,' or 'E129.'
Is Red 40 the same as Allura Red?
Yes — Red Dye 40, Allura Red AC, FD&C Red No. 40, and E129 are all the same compound. The FDA calls it 'FD&C Red No. 40,' the EU uses 'E129,' and 'Allura Red AC' comes from its original brand name. Chemically it is disodium 6-hydroxy-5-((2-methoxy-5-methyl-4-sulphophenyl)azo)-2-naphthalenesulfonate.
How do I avoid Red 40?
Read ingredient labels for 'Red 40,' 'FD&C Red No. 40,' 'Allura Red AC,' or 'E129.' Avoid brightly colored candies, flavored beverages, many breakfast cereals, and packaged snacks. Choose USDA Organic certified products (organic standards prohibit synthetic dyes). Brands like Annie's, Trader Joe's, and Whole Foods 365 avoid artificial dyes. Cooking from whole foods is the most complete avoidance strategy.
Scan any product's barcode and instantly see if it contains Red Dye 40 or other ingredients banned overseas.
Scan a product free →Related food additives
Avoiding banned food additives? Check your beauty shelf, too.
Sources
- FDA Color Additive Status List — FDA
- McCann et al. Food colors and hyperactivity, The Lancet 2007 — The Lancet
- Arnold et al. Artificial Food Colors and ADHD, Neurotherapeutics 2012 — NIH/PMC
- Red Dye 40: Is it Safe? Cleveland Clinic — Cleveland Clinic
- EFSA Food Colours Topic Page — EFSA
- FDA Phase-Out of Petroleum Synthetic Dyes 2025 — FDA
Our scores are never influenced by brands. Last updated 6/10/2026.