Red 40 · Allura Red AC · E129

The free Red 40 scanner: spot Allura Red AC in seconds

Scan any US food or drink barcode and instantly see whether it contains Red 40 — the dye that requires a hyperactivity warning label across the entire European Union.

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Free · 5 scans/dayNo signupEFSA + FDA sourced

Red 40 (Allura Red AC, E129) is the most-used artificial dye in the United States. It shows up in cereal, candy, fruit snacks, sports drinks, gummy vitamins, and even some over-the-counter children's medications.

In Europe, every product containing Red 40 must carry a warning label that says it may affect children's activity and attention. In the US, no such warning is required. We built this scanner so you do not have to read every ingredient list out loud in the grocery aisle.

Instant Red 40 detection

Scan a barcode and we tell you immediately if Red 40 is in there — plus 40+ other ingredients restricted overseas.

Why-it-matters explanation

Every flag includes a regulator-sourced reason (EFSA, FDA, California Prop 65) and a citation link you can verify yourself.

Dye-free swap suggestions

Every Red 40 result comes with safer alternative brands you can buy today.

Family profiles

Pro lets you set per-child sensitivity levels — for ADHD, autism, eczema, or general sensitivity — and adjust scoring.

Other artificial dyes we flag alongside Red 40

Yellow 5 (Tartrazine, E102)

Found in: Mac & cheese, lemonade, candy

Restricted in:

EU warning label required

Yellow 6 (Sunset Yellow, E110)

Found in: Orange soda, chips, candy

Restricted in:

EU warning label required

Blue 1 (Brilliant Blue, E133)

Found in: Frosting, sports drinks, candy

Restricted in:

EU warning label, banned in some EU countries

Blue 2 (Indigo Carmine, E132)

Found in: Pet food, candy, beverages

Restricted in:

EU warning label required

Red 3 (Erythrosine, E127)

Found in: Candy, maraschino cherries, baked goods

Restricted in:

Banned in EU food, FDA banned 2025

Frequently asked questions

What is Red 40?

Red 40, also called Allura Red AC, is a petroleum-derived artificial dye used to color thousands of US foods and drinks — from fruit punch and gummy candy to over-the-counter children's medications.

Is Red 40 banned in Europe?

Red 40 is not outright banned across the EU, but any product containing it must carry a warning label stating it "may have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children." That warning is why many EU manufacturers reformulate without it.

Why is Red 40 controversial?

A 2007 UK study (the Southampton Six) linked artificial dyes including Red 40 to increased hyperactivity in children. California now requires similar warning language on products sold in schools, and several states have introduced bans.

How do I avoid Red 40?

BannedPantry shows clean alternative brands for every product flagged with Red 40. You can also filter our safe-alternatives directory by dye-free or by ingredient.

Does Pro include unlimited Red 40 scans?

Yes. Pro removes the 5-scans-per-day limit, adds photo-label OCR for unbarcoded foods, family profiles, alerts when reformulations happen, and a full PDF pantry audit.

You do not need a chemistry degree to read a cereal box.

Scan one product right now and find out whether Red 40 is hiding in your pantry. Free. No signup.

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Our scores are never influenced by brands. Data sourced from EFSA, FDA, Health Canada, and peer-reviewed research. Educational use only — consult your doctor for medical decisions.