Is Red 40 banned in Europe?

Red 40 (E129) is not banned in Europe. It is permitted but products containing it must carry the warning 'may have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children' on the label.

What is the acceptable daily intake for Red 40?

EFSA set an acceptable daily intake (ADI) of 7 mg/kg body weight per day for Allura Red AC (E129). Typical dietary exposure for children in Europe is estimated to be well below this level.

Does Red 40 cause hyperactivity in all children?

The FDA and EFSA have not established a causal link between Red 40 and hyperactivity in the general child population. Some children may be individually sensitive. The 2007 Lancet study tested a mixture of six dyes plus sodium benzoate, not Red 40 alone.

How can I tell if a product contains Red 40?

Look for 'Red 40', 'Allura Red AC', or 'E129' in the ingredient list. BioBrief can scan the barcode or photograph the label and highlight any dyes present.

Is It Safe?

Is Red 40 Safe for Kids?

Red 40 is the most widely used synthetic food dye in the United States. It shows up in candies, cereals, fruit snacks, and drinks. Parents often ask whether it is safe for children. Here is what the science and regulators actually say.

What It Is

Red 40, also called Allura Red or E129, is a petroleum-derived azo dye approved for use in food, beverages, and cosmetics. It produces a bright red-orange color and is one of nine certified color additives permitted in US food. It is listed on ingredient labels as 'Red 40', 'Allura Red AC', or 'E129'.

↗ FDA: Summary of Color Additives for Use in the United States in Foods, Drugs, Cosmetics, and Medical Devices

Why People Worry

Concern about Red 40 and children centers on two areas. First, a 2007 study published in The Lancet found that a mixture of six artificial dyes (including Red 40) combined with sodium benzoate was associated with increased hyperactivity in children. Second, some advocacy groups have called for a ban based on animal studies showing immune-system effects at high doses. The Lancet study prompted the UK Food Standards Agency to recommend voluntary removal of the six dyes from children's products.

↗ McCann et al. (2007). Food additives and hyperactive behaviour in 3-year-old and 8/9-year-old children in the community. The Lancet.

What Regulators Say

The FDA reviewed the 2007 Lancet study and concluded that the evidence was not sufficient to establish a causal link between the dye mixture and hyperactivity in the general population. The FDA continues to permit Red 40 in food. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) re-evaluated Allura Red AC in 2009 and set an acceptable daily intake (ADI) of 7 mg/kg body weight per day. EFSA noted that typical dietary exposure for children is well below this ADI. The EU requires a warning label on products containing any of the six dyes from the Lancet study: 'may have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children'.

How to Decide for Your Family

The regulatory consensus is that Red 40 is safe at typical dietary exposure levels. However, some children may be sensitive to artificial dyes, and parents who notice behavioral changes after consumption may choose to limit or avoid it. Checking labels for 'Red 40', 'Allura Red', or 'E129' is straightforward. BioBrief can scan any product barcode and flag dyes automatically.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Red 40 banned in Europe?: Red 40 (E129) is not banned in Europe. It is permitted but products containing it must carry the warning 'may have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children' on the label.
What is the acceptable daily intake for Red 40?: EFSA set an acceptable daily intake (ADI) of 7 mg/kg body weight per day for Allura Red AC (E129). Typical dietary exposure for children in Europe is estimated to be well below this level.
Does Red 40 cause hyperactivity in all children?: The FDA and EFSA have not established a causal link between Red 40 and hyperactivity in the general child population. Some children may be individually sensitive. The 2007 Lancet study tested a mixture of six dyes plus sodium benzoate, not Red 40 alone.
How can I tell if a product contains Red 40?: Look for 'Red 40', 'Allura Red AC', or 'E129' in the ingredient list. BioBrief can scan the barcode or photograph the label and highlight any dyes present.