© Getty Images

What is red dye 40? -

Red dye 40 is made from petroleum and approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for use in food and drinks. 

© Shutterstock

What is red dye 40? -

Red dye 40 is used to create uniform colors in consumable products. It can also help consumers identify flavors. For example, using red dye 40 can imply a cherry or strawberry flavor.

© Shutterstock

Foods that contain red dye 40 -

Red dye 40 can be found in a wide range of food products, including gelatins, puddings, dairy products, bakery products, snacks, and sodas.

© Shutterstock

Foods that contain red dye 40 -

Many of the food and drink items that contain red dye 40 are specifically created for and marketed to children.

© Shutterstock

When was it introduced? -

Red dye 40 replaced red dye 2 in 1976 due to reported links with cancer from red dye 2.

© Shutterstock

How to identify red dye 40? -

A vibrant red appearance usually indicates that a food or drink contains red dye 40, commonly found in ultra-processed foods.

© Getty Images

How to identify red dye 40? -

Not all foods that contain red dye 40 are red. A combination of artificial dyes, including red dye 40, is used to give some pickles a pronounced yellow-green color.

© Shutterstock

How to identify red dye 40? -

Check the ingredients list on the back of packaging to determine if red dye 40 is included. The artificial color may be listed in a few different ways including Red 40, Allura Red 40, Artificial Color, Color Added, and Red 40 Lake.

© Shutterstock

Where else is red dye 40 found? -

Red dye 40 can also be found in cosmetics like blush, concealer, foundation, eyeliner, and eye makeup remover.

© Shutterstock

Where else is red dye 40 found? -

Red dye 40 is also used in pharmaceuticals. Cough syrups often contain food dye.

© Getty Images

Is red dye 40 safe? -

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) considers red dye 40 to be of low concern to health. 

© Shutterstock

Is red dye 40 safe? -

Most of the studies evaluating the safety of artificial colorings are outdated. Today, the intake of dyes has increased, and multiple dyes are often combined with other preservatives.

© Shutterstock

Growing concerns -

Research suggests red dye 40 can cause health concerns and there is a growing pressure for the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to ban the additive. 

© Shutterstock

Red dye 40 and ADHD -

Outdated studies claim that red dye 40 can cause ADHD. Recent research suggests this is not the case. It can, however, exacerbate ADHD symptoms.

© Shutterstock

Red dye 40 and ADHD -

Research shows that consumption of red dye 40 can worsen ADHD symptoms, specifically inattentiveness, hyperactivity, and restlessness. 

© Shutterstock

Red dye 40 and allergic reactions -

Allergic reactions to red dye 40 have been reported in children and adults. Reactions tend to be mild, however, and mainly cause itching. 

© Shutterstock

Red dye 40 and gut health -

A study carried out on mice showed continual exposure to the red dye 40 caused inflammation and damage to gut health. The effects have not yet been proven in humans.

© Shutterstock

Red Dye 40 and migraines -

Some studies have shown red dye 40 (and other artificial colorings) can trigger migraines in children and adults.

© Shutterstock

Red dye 40 and cancer -

Red dye 40 contains benzene, which is a cancer-causing substance. Research found tumor growth in animals that consumed high doses of food dyes, but scientists are unsure how this translates to humans.

© Shutterstock

Why does red dye 40 cause behavioral changes -

While research is limited, some experts believe red dye 40 and other artificial dyes may cause behavioral changes in children due to a chemical change in the brain.

© Shutterstock

Red dye 40 and neurological health -

Evidence suggests red dye 40 might be able to interrupt the brain's regulation of neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, and adenosine. 

© Shutterstock

Elimination diet -

Studies show an improvement in behavior and attention in ADHD once red dye 40 was eliminated from the diet.

© Shutterstock

Tips for avoiding red dye 40 -

Avoid processed foods and carefully read labels to see if synthetic dyes are listed. 

© Shutterstock

Tips for avoiding red dye 40 -

Research fast food ingredients before purchasing. Many items include synthetic dyes without being immediately obvious.

© Shutterstock

California banning red dye 3 -

In 2023, the state of California prohibited the use of red dye 3 in food and drinks. An advancing bill called A.B. 2316 aims to also ban red dye 40, along with five other food dyes, from food provided in schools.

© Shutterstock

Banning red dye 40 in schools -

If California's A.B. 2316 bill passes, schools will no longer be able to offer food containing red dye 40. Manufacturers will have to reformulate their products if they wish to continue selling food containing red dye 40 in schools.

© Shutterstock

Red dye 40 in Europe -

While red dye 40 isn't banned in Europe, there are restrictions. European regulations require foods containing red dye 40 or other artificial colorings to carry a warning label stating the dye may adversely affect activity and attention in children.

© Shutterstock

Alternatives to red dye 40 -

If you're looking to naturally dye foods a red color at home, consider using foods rich in anthocyanins, such as berries, purple cabbage, beets, and dried hibiscus flowers.

© Shutterstock

Further research -

While some evidence points to red dye 40 having an adverse effect, further research is needed. The FDA says it will continue to examine the impact of color additives on children's behavior.

Sources: (Healthline) (Cleveland Clinic) (WebMD) (Medicine Net)

See also: Processed foods that can cause cancer

© Shutterstock