Additives · Color

Red No. 40 (Allura Red) (E129)

The most widely used synthetic red dye in US food.

Where it's restricted

What each rule says, with sources

• ✓ US (FDA): Allowed FDA allows Red No. 40 as a certified color additive. Source
• ! EU: Allowed with warning label Allowed as E129, but foods containing it must say it "may have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children." (Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008, Annex V) Source
• ◐ California: Banned in school meals from 2027-12-31 Banned in food and drinks offered in California public schools from December 31, 2027. (AB 2316 (2024)) Source
• ✕ West Virginia: Banned from 2028-01-01 Food containing it is treated as adulterated in West Virginia from January 1, 2028. (HB 2354 (2025)) Source
• ◐ West Virginia: Banned in school meals from 2025-08-01 Banned in West Virginia school meals since August 1, 2025. (HB 2354 (2025)) Source
• ! Texas: Warning label required from 2027-01-01 Labels developed on or after January 1, 2027 must warn that the product contains an ingredient not recommended for consumption in Australia, Canada, the EU or the UK. (SB 25 (2025)) Source
• ◐ Louisiana: Banned in school meals from 2028-2029 school year Banned in Louisiana school food from the 2028-2029 school year (concession stands and vending machines exempt). (SB 14, Act 463 (2025)) Source
• ! Louisiana: Warning label required from 2028-01-01 Products containing it must carry a QR code disclosure from January 1, 2028. (SB 14, Act 463 (2025)) Source

Also listed on labels as: Red 40, FD&C Red No. 40, Allura Red, Allura Red AC, Red 40 Lake.

Products that list it

37,461 products in USDA's label data name Red No. 40 (Allura Red) in their ingredients.

• Jelly Bar Dragonfly · Candy · 1 recall · 4 additives banned somewhere
• Mangoneada Helados La Tapatia · Other Frozen Desserts · 1 recall · 2 additives banned somewhere
• Orange Soda Crush · Soda · 1 recall · 2 additives banned somewhere
• Punjabi Mix Bombay Kitchen · Other Snacks · 1 recall · 2 additives banned somewhere
• Karm'l Dapple California Candy Company · Pre-Packaged Fruit & Vegetables · 1 recall · 4 additives banned somewhere
• Karm'l Dapples California Candy Company · Pre-Packaged Fruit & Vegetables · 1 recall · 4 additives banned somewhere
• Danish, Raspberry The Bakery · Cakes, Cupcakes, Snack Cakes · 1 recall · 3 additives banned somewhere
• Soft & Chewy Candy Sour Patch Kids · Candy · 1 recall · 4 additives banned somewhere
• Waffles, Blueberry Winco Foods · Frozen Pancakes, Waffles, French Toast & Crepes · 1 recall · 2 additives banned somewhere
• Sweet 'N Salty Mix Kar's · Popcorn, Peanuts, Seeds & Related Snacks · 2 recalls · 5 additives banned somewhere · 3 package sizes
• Waffles, Blueberry Brookshire's · Frozen Pancakes, Waffles, French Toast & Crepes · 1 recall · 2 additives banned somewhere
• Waffles, Blueberry Ahold · Frozen Pancakes, Waffles, French Toast & Crepes · 1 recall · 2 additives banned somewhere