Red Dye 40: Health Effects and Concerns

Potential Health Risks

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Red Dye 40, also known as Allura Red AC, is a synthetic food coloring derived from petroleum and is widely used in processed foods, beverages, medications, and cosmetics to create a red color and enhance visual appeal.[1] It is the most commonly used food dye in the United States, with an estimated 94% of people over 2 years old consuming it.[1] While the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Red Dye 40 for use in food, concerns have been raised about its potential health effects.[2]

Allergic Reactions

Several studies have linked Red Dye 40 to various health concerns, including:

Neurological and Behavioral Effects

Although rare, allergic reactions to Red Dye 40 are possible and can range from mild to life-threatening.[3] Symptoms may include hives, asthma-like symptoms, and/or swelling.[3]

Digestive and Inflammatory Health Concerns

There are concerns about the potential neurological impacts of synthetic food dyes like Red Dye 40.[3] Some research suggests a link between food dye exposure and symptoms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children, including inattentiveness, hyperactivity, and restlessness.[3] A 2021 report by the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment concluded that synthetic food dyes are associated with adverse neurobehavioral effects.[3]

DNA Damage and Cancer Risk

Recent research has raised concerns about the effects of Red 40 on digestive health and inflammation.[4] A 2023 study published in Nature Communications found that continuous exposure to Red 40 harmed gut health and caused inflammation in mice.[4] The study revealed that the dye increases serotonin production in the gut, altering the composition of microorganisms and leading to increased susceptibility to inflammation.[4]

Regulatory Status and Warnings

Red Dye 40 has been found to be contaminated with chemicals that are known to damage DNA, raising concerns about potential cancer risks.[3] Research on the effects of Red 40 in animals has been mixed, and human studies are lacking.[3]

Red Dye 40 is commonly added to ultra-processed foods and drinks, as well as over-the-counter (OTC) medicines.[3] Examples of foods and drinks that may contain Red Dye 40 include:

Foods Containing Red Dye 40

While Red Dye 40 is not currently banned in the U.S., the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the FDA announced a plan in April 2025 to phase out Red 40 and other synthetic dyes from the food supply by the end of 2026.[3] In the European Union (EU), products containing Red Dye 40 and other artificial dyes are required to carry a warning label stating they "may have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children."[3]

To determine whether a product contains Red Dye 40, check the ingredients list on the back of the package.[3] The artificial color may be listed in a few different ways, including:

How to Identify Red Dye 40

• Baked goods, like red velvet cakes
• Beverages, like fruit punches
• Breakfast cereals
• Candies
• Chewing gums
• Condiments, like maraschino cherries
• Gelatins and puddings
• Ice creams
• Packaged snacks
• Popsicles and snow cones[3]

If you're looking to naturally dye foods at home, consider using these whole foods that can be used as alternatives to Red Dye 40:

Alternatives to Red Dye 40

• Allura Red 40
• Artificial Color
• Color Added
• FD&C Red No. 40
• FDC Red 40
• Food Red No. 40
• Red 40
• Red 40 Lake
• Red dye 40
• Red No. 40
• Red No. 40—Aluminum Lake[3]

Summary of Health Effects

• Beets
• Berries like blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, and cranberries
• Cherries
• Pomegranate
• Purple cabbage
• Red onion
• Turmeric (for yellow/orange coloring)[3]

The current body of scientific evidence raises significant concerns about the safety of synthetic red food dyes, including Red 40 (Allura Red AC).[3] Multiple animal studies have demonstrated that this commonly used food additive may cause DNA damage, promote inflammation (especially in the digestive tract), disrupt the gut microbiome, and potentially affect neurological function.[3]

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