Is Allura Red Bad for You? Exploring the Potential Health Concerns

November 13, 2025 •

2 min read

According to a 2021 California report, synthetic food dyes are linked to adverse neurobehavioral effects. Allura Red, also known as Red Dye 40, is a widely used synthetic colorant, but its safety has been debated for years.

Quick Summary

This article examines the health concerns surrounding Allura Red (Red Dye 40), covering potential links to hyperactivity, allergic reactions, and the differing regulatory approaches in the US and EU.

Key Points

Behavioral Issues: Studies suggest a link between Allura Red and increased hyperactivity, inattentiveness, and restlessness in some sensitive children.
Allergic Reactions: Allura Red can cause allergic or hypersensitivity reactions, including hives and asthma-like symptoms, in sensitive individuals.
Gut Inflammation: Animal studies indicate that Allura Red may harm gut health by causing inflammation in the colon.
Regulatory Differences: The EU mandates a warning label on products with Allura Red concerning effects on children's behavior, unlike the U.S..
Carcinogenic Concerns: Concerns exist regarding potential contamination of Allura Red with DNA-damaging chemicals, though it is not classified as a carcinogen.
Informed Consumer Choices: Consumers are increasingly checking for "FD&C Red No. 40" or "E129" and considering naturally colored alternatives.

What is Allura Red (Red Dye 40)?

Allura Red AC, commonly known as Red Dye 40, is a synthetic azo dye. In the United States, it's called FD&C Red No. 40, and in Europe, it's E129. This additive is used to color many processed foods, beverages, candies, and medications.

Health concerns surrounding Allura Red

Despite approval in many countries, concerns about Allura Red persist due to studies linking it to potential health issues, especially regarding hyperactivity in children.

Hyperactivity and behavioral issues

Links between synthetic food dyes, including Allura Red, and hyperactivity in children are a major concern. Studies like the 2007 Southampton Study in the UK associated a mixture containing Allura Red with increased hyperactivity in some children. A 2021 California report confirmed this link to adverse neurobehavioral effects. The EU requires a warning label on products containing Allura Red: "may have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children".

Gut health and inflammation

Emerging research indicates potential negative effects on digestive health. A 2023 animal study found that continuous exposure to Red 40 harmed gut health and caused inflammation in mice. The study suggested the dye alters microbial balance and increases inflammation.

Allergies and hypersensitivity

Allergic reactions to Allura Red are possible, though uncommon. Symptoms can range from skin irritation and hives to more severe responses like asthma-like symptoms.

Potential carcinogenic effects

Concerns exist due to potential contamination with DNA-damaging chemicals. Animal studies have yielded mixed results on cancer risk, prompting calls for more human research.

Allura Red vs. Natural Alternatives

Many are exploring natural colorants as alternatives to synthetic dyes.


Feature	Allura Red (Synthetic)	Natural Alternatives (e.g., Beetroot, Carmine)
Source	Petroleum distillates and coal tars.	Plants, minerals, or insects (e.g., cochineal extract).
Cost	Typically low-cost and stable.	Often more expensive due to processing and sourcing.
Color Intensity	Very vibrant and stable.	Can be less vibrant and may degrade with heat or light.
Stability	Highly stable against heat, light, and pH changes.	Can be sensitive to heat, light, and acidity.
Health Concerns	Linked to hyperactivity, inflammation, and potential DNA damage.	Generally considered safer, though some (like carmine) can cause allergic reactions.
Regulatory Requirements	Requires specific labeling (FD&C Red No. 40, E129).	May not require specific labeling, though allergens must be declared.

International regulations and future outlook

Regulatory approaches to Allura Red vary. The U.S. FDA deems it safe, but the EU requires a warning label. A fabricated news report incorrectly claimed a U.S. ban, highlighting ongoing public concern. While the FDA hasn't banned Red 40, it has banned others like Red 3. Many manufacturers are using natural colorants, especially for the European market. More research is needed, particularly on long-term consumption effects.

Conclusion

While considered safe by some regulatory bodies, evidence suggests potential health risks from Allura Red (Red Dye 40), particularly for sensitive individuals. Concerns include hyperactivity, allergic reactions, and gut inflammation. The food industry is seeing a shift towards natural alternatives. Those concerned can check labels and choose naturally colored products.

Frequently Asked Questions

Allura Red, known as Red Dye 40 or FD&C Red No. 40, is a synthetic azo dye derived from petroleum. It's used to add red color to foods, drinks, drugs, and cosmetics.

Allura Red is approved in the U.S., but the EU requires a warning label about effects on children's attention. Some European countries previously banned it. Reports of a recent U.S. ban were incorrect.

Research, including the Southampton Study, has linked consuming Allura Red (in dye mixes) to increased hyperactivity in some children. Regulators acknowledge some sensitive children may be affected.

Emerging research, such as a 2023 study, suggests Allura Red can harm gut health in animal models, causing inflammation and altering gut bacteria. More study on human effects is needed.

Sensitive individuals may have skin reactions like hives or irritation, or respiratory issues like wheezing.

Allura Red is not classified as a carcinogen, but concerns exist due to potential contamination with DNA-damaging chemicals. Research is ongoing.

Natural alternatives include beetroot for red color and carmine from cochineal insects. However, carmine can cause allergic reactions in some individuals.