FD&C Red No. 40, commonly known as red 40, is once again in the spotlight as lawmakers discuss the legality of food dyes in the United States.

This dye has been approved and monitored by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) since 1971 and is used by food producers to create a vibrant red hue.

“Red 40 is a synthetic dye approved by the FDA, but it has garnered attention recently due to concerns over hyperactivity in children and allergic reactions in sensitive individuals,” explains Caroline Thomason, RD, CDCES, a dietitian and diabetes educator based in Washington, D.C., in an interview with YSL News. Following the FDA’s ban on Red No. 3 on January 15, interest in red 40 has surged.

As public scrutiny around nutritional labels increases, many consumers are questioning the safety of products that contain this food dye. Here’s what health professionals want you to know regarding the consumption of red 40.

Why is red 40 banned?

California has become the first state to ban red 40, with Governor Gavin Newsom signing legislation in September that forbids schools from serving food containing six artificial food dyes, including red 40. This law will take effect on December 31, 2027.

There is some evidence suggesting red 40 may not be suitable for children. Research indicates a connection between the intake of red 40 and an increase in Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) among kids. The FDA states that while most children experience no negative effects from color additives, certain children might show sensitivity to them.

Several other states, including New York, Maryland, Illinois, and South Dakota, have considered legislation to ban red 40, but none have successfully passed such bills yet.

Although the European Union has not imposed a complete ban on red 40, it mandates health warning labels on products containing this dye, indicating it may affect children’s attention and activity levels. Furthermore, while it is often claimed that Canada has banned red 40, the dye is still permitted in the country.

Nutrition experts are cautious about endorsing red 40 but indicate that existing research shows it is generally safe for adults in moderate amounts. Some studies suggest the dye might be carcinogenic in animals, but there is no definitive evidence of similar effects in humans at this time.

“This is a situation where the dose determines the toxicity,” Thomason notes. “Most studies find red dye 40 to be safe and not causing reactions in the majority of individuals. Effects may arise only at high concentrations that are typically not consumed in a standard American diet.”

The FDA oversees the use of food colorings like red 40 and asserts that “color additives are safe when used according to FDA guidelines,” which delineate what foods can include red 40, the allowable quantities, and labeling requirements on packaging.

Thomason further adds: “Research is ongoing, and current evidence suggests that it is broadly safe in moderation for most individuals. However, if you feel more comfortable avoiding it, that is a personal choice, and many products are now offering more natural alternatives.”

What foods have red 40?

Children (aged 2 to 18) frequently encounter red 40 in various products including cereals, juices, sodas, and ice creams, as indicated by a 2016 study published in the journal Food Additives & Contaminants: Part A.

If you are concerned about your or your family’s intake of red 40, Thomason recommends looking for brands such as Annie’s, Unreal, and Simple Mills, which “typically avoid synthetic dyes in favor of natural alternatives” like “vegetable or fruit juices such as strawberry, carrot, or beet juice.”

However, Thomason emphasizes that “occasional consumption of foods containing red 40 is not a major issue for most people. Rather than stressing over individual ingredients, focus on maintaining a diet rich in whole, minimally processed foods.”