Quick Answer: Red 40 (Allura Red AC) is a synthetic, petroleum-derived food dye approved by the FDA and widely used in North American food products. Most regulators say it is safe at typical levels. A 2007 Lancet study linked it to hyperactivity in children, leading the EU to require a warning label. The FDA does not require one.
Last reviewed: May 7, 2026
Red 40 is one of the most widely used food dyes and one of the most debated. In North America, it appears in everything from fruit punch to breakfast cereals to some children's medications. But what does the research actually say about its safety?
What is Red 40?
Red 40, officially called Allura Red AC, is a synthetic food dye derived from petroleum. It has been approved by the FDA since 1971 and is one of the most common artificial food colorants in the United States. The dye is added to foods primarily for cosmetic appeal rather than nutritional benefit.
Regulatory Status Around the World
Red 40's regulatory status varies significantly by country. In the United States, the FDA maintains that Red 40 is safe for consumers at the levels typically found in food. However, the European Union requires foods containing Red 40 to carry a warning label stating "may have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children."
This discrepancy reflects different approaches to food safety: the FDA focuses on the dye itself, while the EU also considers the additives present in its manufacturing process.
What Does the Science Say?
The most cited study linking Red 40 to behavioral effects is a 2007 meta-analysis published in The Lancet. This study found a potential link between artificial food dyes and hyperactivity in children, particularly in those with ADHD. However, the effect size was small and the study noted that more research is needed.
Since then, scientific opinion remains divided. Some studies suggest a connection to behavioral changes in sensitive children, while others find no significant effect at typical consumption levels. The consensus among most regulatory bodies is that Red 40 is safe for the general population, though some experts recommend caution for children with ADHD or other behavioral sensitivities.
Where You'll Find Red 40
Red 40 appears in many common products:
- Fruit punch and sports drinks
- Candy and frosting
- Maraschino cherries
- Breakfast cereals
- Flavored yogurt
- Gelatin desserts
- Some children's medications
How to Identify and Avoid Red 40
If you want to reduce Red 40 consumption, the simplest approach is to read ingredient labels. Look for "Red 40" or "Allura Red AC" in the ingredients list. Foods labeled "natural" or "no artificial colors" will not contain Red 40.
For frequent shoppers, using a barcode-scanning app can make the process faster and easier. These apps instantly identify additives and other ingredients without needing to search manually.
The Bottom Line
Red 40 is approved by major regulatory bodies and is generally recognized as safe. However, individual sensitivity varies. For most people, occasional exposure poses no concern. For families concerned about artificial additives or parents of children with ADHD, limiting intake is a reasonable precaution.
The key is informed choice: read labels, understand what you're consuming, and make decisions based on your family's needs and values.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Red 40?
Red 40, also called Allura Red AC, is a synthetic food dye derived from petroleum distillates. It is one of the most widely used artificial colorants in North America, approved by the FDA since 1971 and found in hundreds of common food and beverage products.
Is Red 40 safe for children?
Most regulatory bodies, including the FDA, say Red 40 is safe at typical consumption levels. However, a 2007 study published in The Lancet linked artificial food dyes including Red 40 to increased hyperactivity in children. The European Union responded by requiring a warning label on affected products. The FDA does not require a similar label in the United States.
What foods contain Red 40?
Red 40 appears in many common products including fruit punch, candy, maraschino cherries, breakfast cereals, sports drinks, flavored yogurt, gelatin desserts, and some children's medications. Check the ingredient list for "Red 40" or "Allura Red AC" to identify it.
Is Red 40 natural or synthetic?
Red 40 is synthetic. It is a petroleum-derived azo dye, meaning it is manufactured from petroleum distillates rather than from plant or animal sources. It has no nutritional function and is used solely to add color to food products.
How can I avoid Red 40?
Read ingredient labels and look for "Red 40" or "Allura Red AC". Products labeled "no artificial colors" will not contain it. A barcode-scanning app can make the process faster by automatically identifying Red 40 and other artificial dyes in any product you scan.
Last reviewed: May 7, 2026