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E129ColorantElevated concern
Allura Red AC
In plain words
The short version
The dominant red food dye in many markets — used in soft drinks, candies, and cake icings.
Why we flag it
A synthetic red dye (Allura Red / Red 40). It's approved and used everywhere, but synthetic dyes like this were linked in some studies to hyperactivity in sensitive children, and the EU makes products carry a warning label. That's why we flag it.
Safety profile
ADI of 7 mg/kg body weight. Part of the Southampton six requiring EU hyperactivity warning. A 2021 California EPA review noted potential neurobehavioral concerns at higher exposure levels in children.
The detail
Developed by Allied Chemical in 1971 as a replacement for amaranth (E123) after safety concerns arose. Produced from petroleum-derived intermediates by azo coupling.
Used in soft drinks, candies, sausage casings, cake icings, and dairy products. The most widely used red food dye in the US (FD&C Red 40) and many international markets.
Dark red crystalline powder, very soluble in water. Stable to light, heat, and acid; degraded by reducing agents. High tinctorial strength — small amounts produce strong color.
Permitted in the EU (with Southampton warning) and US (FD&C Red 40, no warning required). The EU's single list of authorised food additives applies directly in every member state, including Denmark, Belgium, France and Sweden. National bans are allowed only for a few traditional foods named in the Regulation, such as colours in traditional Swedish fruit syrups and Danish leverpostej.
Sources
- WHO JECFA database — Allura Red AC (INS 129), evaluation 2016 (82nd meeting) — Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA), WHO, 2016. ADI of 7 mg/kg bw
- Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 on food additives — Articles 4 and 24, Annex V — European Union, Official Journal L 354, 31.12.2008, 2008. Permitted in the EU with the Southampton warning; one EU list applies in all member states
- 21 CFR 74.340 — FD&C Red No. 40 (CFR, 2025 edition) — U.S. Government Publishing Office / FDA, 2025. Permitted in the US as FD&C Red No. 40
- OEHHA (California EPA) — Health Effects Assessment: Potential Neurobehavioral Effects of Synthetic Food Dyes in Children (April 2021) — Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment, California Environmental Protection Agency, 2021. A 2021 California EPA review noted potential neurobehavioral concerns
Checked against these sources on .
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