Is Red 40 made out of petroleum? Understanding the Truth Behind Your Food

October 14, 2025 •

3 min read

According to estimates, a staggering 94% of Americans over the age of two consume Red 40 (Allura Red AC). This widespread consumption has led many to question the ingredients in their food, prompting the question, is Red 40 made out of petroleum? The answer highlights a major divide in consumer nutrition and food safety policy.

Quick Summary

Red 40 is a synthetic, petroleum-derived food colorant widely used in processed foods and beverages. This article explains its chemical origins and potential health risks, including links to hyperactivity, allergic reactions, and possible carcinogenic contaminants. It also outlines natural color alternatives.

Key Points

Petroleum Origin: Red 40 is a synthetic dye chemically derived from petroleum byproducts, not a natural source.
Regulation Differences: The US FDA has approved Red 40, but the EU requires a warning label on products containing it due to links with hyperactivity.
Behavioral Links: Studies, including the Southampton Study, have suggested a connection between food dyes like Red 40 and increased hyperactivity in children.
Contaminant Concerns: Trace amounts of known carcinogens, such as benzidine, have been reported as contaminants in some batches of Red 40, raising safety questions.
Labeling Matters: Consumers can identify Red 40 by checking ingredient lists for names like FD&C Red No. 40, Allura Red AC, or the European code E129.
Natural Alternatives Exist: Safer, natural alternatives for coloring food include beet juice, lycopene from tomatoes, and carmine from insects.

What Exactly Is Red 40?

Red 40, also known as Allura Red AC or FD&C Red No. 40, is a synthetic food dye providing a vibrant reddish hue to many products. Unlike natural food colorings, Red 40 is a manufactured chemical compound created from precursors found in petroleum distillates or coal tars. It is an azo dye known for its intense color.

The Chemical Synthesis from Petroleum

Red 40 is created through a chemical process involving two types of sulphonic acids: toluene sulphonic acid and naphthalene sulphonic acid. This azo coupling reaction produces Allura Red AC, a sodium salt that forms the dye. A water-insoluble version, "Red 40 Lake," is made by combining the dye with aluminum. This synthetic origin from oil industry byproducts is a source of consumer concern.

Potential Health Concerns Linked to Red 40

Red 40's safety is controversial despite regulatory approval by bodies like the U.S. FDA and the EU. Concerns include:

Hyperactivity in Children: The 2007 Southampton Study suggested a link between a mix of food dyes, including Allura Red AC, and increased hyperactivity in children. While the FDA has not found a definitive link, many parents observe behavioral improvements after eliminating artificial dyes. Consequently, the EU mandates a warning label: "May have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children".
Allergic Reactions and Sensitivities: Some individuals may experience allergic reactions or sensitivities like hives or asthma-like symptoms to Red 40.
Carcinogenic Contaminants: Red 40 may contain trace amounts of carcinogens such as benzidine. A 2023 study indicated Red 40 could cause DNA damage in animals, potentially linking to inflammation and colorectal cancer.

Common Products Containing Red 40

Red 40 is used in a wide range of processed foods and non-food items, identified on labels as Red 40, FD&C Red No. 40, or Allura Red AC.

Food and Beverage Products

Snacks and Baked Goods: Chips, fruit snacks, cereals, cake mixes.
Beverages: Sodas, sports drinks, juices.
Desserts: Gelatins, puddings, candy, ice cream.
Dairy Products: Some flavored yogurts and milk.

Non-Food Products

Medications: Many liquid or chewable medications.
Cosmetics: Lipsticks, blushes, etc..

Natural Alternatives to Red 40

Natural options for coloring foods include:

Beetroot: Provides a rich red color from beet juice or powder.
Lycopene: A red pigment from tomatoes and other red fruits.
Carmine: A deep red dye from cochineal insects, not suitable for vegetarians/vegans and can cause allergies.
Other Fruit Extracts: Extracts from cherries, pomegranates, and cranberries offer red/pink hues.

A Comparison of Red 40 vs. Natural Alternatives


Feature	Red 40 (Allura Red AC)	Natural Alternative (e.g., Beetroot Powder)
Origin	Derived from petroleum byproducts	Extracted from natural sources like vegetables
Color Intensity	Provides a vivid, consistent, and stable bright red color	Color can vary and may be less intense; more susceptible to heat
Cost-Effectiveness	Highly cost-effective for mass production	Generally more expensive to produce and process
Regulation (U.S.)	FDA certified; requires labeling as "Red 40" or "FD&C Red No. 40"	FDA exempt from certification; may still require specific labeling if allergenic (e.g., carmine)
Health Concerns	Linked to hyperactivity, allergies, and potential carcinogen contaminants	Considered safe for most; potential for specific allergies (e.g., carmine)

Conclusion: Navigating Your Choices

Red 40 is a synthetic color additive derived from petroleum. Although approved by major regulatory bodies, concerns persist regarding its links to hyperactivity, allergic reactions, and potential carcinogenic contaminants found in some studies. Differences in US and EU regulations highlight the ongoing debate. Reading labels for names like FD&C Red No. 40 or Allura Red AC and choosing products with natural colorants are key strategies for consumers.

For more information on color additives, consult the official FDA resource: Color Additives Questions and Answers for Consumers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, Red 40 is a synthetic food dye that is derived from petroleum byproducts or coal tar. It is manufactured through a chemical process involving sulphonic acids.

Some studies, like the Southampton Study, have suggested a link between food dyes and hyperactivity in children. However, the FDA has stated that while most children are unaffected, certain children may be sensitive to food dyes, which can worsen behavioral symptoms.

Red 40 is not banned in the United States, though its use is restricted with warning labels in the European Union. The U.S. FDA announced plans in 2025 to phase out Red 40 and other synthetic dyes by the end of 2026.

Both Red 40 and Red 3 are synthetic, petroleum-derived dyes. However, the FDA banned Red 3 in foods, beverages, and ingested drugs in 2025 due to concerns about potential links to cancer. Red 40 remains approved for now, but is under review.

You can identify Red 40 by reading the ingredient list on food packaging. It is typically listed as "Red 40," "FD&C Red No. 40," or "Allura Red AC".

Natural alternatives to Red 40 include colorings derived from beet juice, pomegranate juice, cherries, and lycopene from tomatoes.

Recent animal studies have raised concerns by suggesting Red 40 can cause DNA damage and inflammation. The dye has also been linked to trace amounts of carcinogenic contaminants like benzidine. More research is needed to determine the effects on humans.