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Red 40

Red 40 is a synthetic color used to make drinks, candy and snacks look bright red.

Allura Red ACcolor2 official sourcesReviewed 6/18/2026
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Red 40 ingredient label context
Eatibo

Ingredient label context for Eatibo additive review.

Safety context

Review with context

Red 40 can be legally used in some foods when it meets applicable color additive rules. Eatibo flags it for context because dye preferences, market rules and personal sensitivity concerns vary.

Worth checking because use case, amount, market or dietary preference may matter.

Label recognition

red 40fd&c red 40fd and c red no 40allura rede129

Likely food context

Fruit-flavored drinksCandyFrostingSnack coatings

Source depth

2

2 official references.

Overview

What Red 40 does in packaged food

Red 40 is a certified color additive used when a packaged food needs a stable red shade. Eatibo treats it as a label signal worth reviewing, especially for shoppers who track synthetic dyes or compare kids snacks.

Why it is used

  • Coloring beverages
  • Coloring candy
  • Coloring snack coatings

Technical effect

  • COLOR ADDITIVE

Names to watch for

  • Allura Red AC
  • FD&C Red No. 40
  • E129
  • Red 40 Lake

How Eatibo reads it

Review the additive inside the full ingredient list

Match label terms and aliases.Check product type and frequency.Compare nearby additives, sweeteners, colors or preservatives.

References

Official and editorial sources

FDAFDA Substances Added to Food inventoryFDAFDA food additives and GRAS ingredients consumer information

FAQ

Quick answers about Red 40

Is Red 40 always unsafe?

No. Eatibo does not make a universal harm claim. It flags Red 40 so shoppers can review dye preferences, product context and personal tolerance.

What names can Red 40 appear under?

Labels may use Red 40, FD&C Red No. 40, Allura Red AC, Red 40 Lake or E129.

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Red 40: Uses, Safety Context, and Label Names | Eatibo