Is Red Dye 40 Safe During Pregnancy?
The facts: Red Dye 40 is banned in 2 countries/regions (including Norway (historical, 1978–2001), Finland (historical)), though the FDA still allows it in the US. We can't tell you whether it's safe for your pregnancy — that's a conversation for your OB-GYN or midwife. What we can do is show you the regulatory facts and flag Red Dye 40 on any product's label so you can decide with your provider. Commonly found in: Skittles, M&Ms (red/orange), Gatorade (certain flavors).
TL;DR: Red Dye 40 is banned in the EU and allowed in the US. Here's what to know if you're pregnant.
Red Dye 40: regulatory status at a glance
| EU status | Banned |
|---|---|
| US status | Allowed |
| Risk level (regulatory) | — |
| 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.
What regulators have flagged about Red Dye 40
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.
For educational use only. This page summarizes the regulatory status of Red Dye 40 with citations to the primary sources below. It is not medical advice and is not pregnancy-specific medical guidance. Consult your OB-GYN or midwife for decisions about your pregnancy.
Pregnancy-conscious swaps free from Red Dye 40 →
Audited products that don't contain Red Dye 40.
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Red Dye 40 and pregnancy: common questions
Is Red Dye 40 banned anywhere?
Yes. Red Dye 40 is banned in Norway (historical, 1978–2001), Finland (historical); restricted in European Union (mandatory warning label: 'may have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children'), United Kingdom (voluntary phase-out urged by FSA). The FDA still allows it in the US.
Should I avoid Red Dye 40 during pregnancy?
That's a decision for you and your OB-GYN or midwife — we don't give medical advice. What we can tell you is the regulatory status above. Many people choose to limit additives during pregnancy out of caution; bring this page and its sources to your next appointment.
What foods contain Red Dye 40?
Commonly found in Skittles, M&Ms (red/orange), Gatorade (certain flavors), Kool-Aid, Pop-Tarts, Kraft Mac & Cheese. Scan any product's barcode to check its label for Red Dye 40.
What can I use instead of Red Dye 40?
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. L See the pregnancy-conscious swaps below.
Scan any product's barcode and instantly see if it contains Red Dye 40 or other ingredients restricted overseas.
Scan a product free →Other ingredients to check during pregnancy
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.