What is the acceptable intake of Red 40?

December 8, 2025 •

3 min read

The FDA established that the Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) for Red 40 is 7 mg per kilogram of body weight each day. There are increasing questions about what is the acceptable intake of Red 40 because of potential health issues.

Quick Summary

Red 40 has an ADI of 7 mg/kg/day, considered safe by regulators. Yet, research points to possible connections with inflammation, behavioral issues in some children, and other health concerns. Consumers should consider this when making dietary choices.

Key Points

ADI Established: The FDA's ADI for Red 40 is 7 mg/kg/day, considered safe for most.
Behavioral Issues: Some children with ADHD may be sensitive to Red 40, experiencing worsened hyperactivity.
Inflammation: Animal studies link Red 40 to gut inflammation, though more research is needed.
Common in Processed Foods: Red 40 is in processed foods, drinks, and snacks for color.
Read Labels: Check ingredient lists to avoid Red 40 and use natural colorants instead.
Not a Cause: Food dyes are not proven to cause ADHD but may make symptoms worse in some.
Regulatory Review: Red 40 is under review due to recent studies and consumer concerns.

A recent study on mice suggests consuming Red 40 could cause DNA damage and colon inflammation, possibly leading to colorectal cancer; however, these animal findings don't necessarily apply to humans, and more human studies are needed. A 2021 California report found synthetic food dyes, such as Red Dye 40, might cause or worsen neurobehavioral problems like hyperactivity and inattentiveness in certain children.

Red 40: Understanding Intake and Concerns

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has set the Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) for Red 40, also known as Allura Red AC, at 7 mg per kilogram of body weight daily. The ADI represents the amount of a substance that can be consumed daily over a lifetime without adverse health effects. A 150-pound (68 kg) person's ADI would therefore be 476 mg per day. While the FDA deems Red 40 safe within these limits, more research and concerns exist.

What is Red 40 and Why is it Used?

Red 40 is a synthetic color additive derived from petroleum, approved by the FDA for use in food and beverages. Manufacturers like synthetic dyes such as Red 40 because they are cost-effective and provide vibrant, consistent color, improving the visual appeal of processed foods and drinks. It is commonly found in:

Candies and confectioneries
Beverages
Snack foods
Desserts

Red 40 can also be in medications, vitamins, and cosmetics, potentially increasing daily exposure, especially for children.

Potential Health Concerns

Scientific studies continue exploring the possible health effects of Red 40.

Behavior and ADHD

Studies have examined the connection between Red 40 and neurobehavioral issues, especially in children.

The 2007 Southampton Study connected a mix of food dyes, including Red 40, with increased hyperactivity in children.
A 2021 California report linked synthetic food dyes to negative neurobehavioral effects.
Food dyes are not a primary cause of ADHD but can worsen symptoms in some children. Many parents report behavioral improvements when eliminating artificial dyes. Products with Red 40 in Europe require a warning about possible effects on children's activity.

Inflammation and Digestive Health

Recent animal studies indicate Red 40 may impact gut health.

A 2023 mouse study showed continuous Red 40 exposure harmed gut health and caused low-grade colonic inflammation.
The study found the dye increased gut serotonin and altered microorganisms, possibly increasing inflammation susceptibility.
Chronic inflammation is a concern, but further human research is needed.

Allergies and Sensitivities

Rare allergic reactions to Red 40 have been reported, with symptoms including hives, asthma, and migraines. Identifying Red 40 as the cause can be difficult without detailed food tracking.

Comparing Red Dyes: Red 40 vs. Red 3

Red Dye 40 and Red Dye 3 are different synthetic dyes with different regulatory statuses.


Feature	FD&C Red No. 40 (Allura Red AC)	FD&C Red No. 3 (Erythrosine)
Origin	Petroleum-based synthetic dye.	Petroleum-based synthetic dye.
Regulatory Status (US)	Currently approved, but facing review; a phase-out plan is underway for 2026.	Banned by the FDA in 2025 for ingestible products due to cancer risks.
Associated Health Concerns	Linked to hyperactivity, inflammation, and potential DNA damage in some studies.	Found to cause thyroid cancer in rats.
EU Regulations	Requires a warning label.	Strictly regulated; many manufacturers removed it.

Limiting Intake

Those concerned can limit or avoid Red 40 by following these tips:

Tips for reducing Red 40 intake:

Read ingredient labels for "Red 40," "Allura Red AC," or "FD&C Red No. 40".
Cook and bake from scratch.
Opt for natural colorants from sources like beets or paprika.
Buy organic products.
Be mindful of non-food sources in medications and cosmetics.

Conclusion

Red 40 has an established ADI, and ongoing research warrants consideration. Moderate consumption is considered safe for most, but sensitive individuals may react to even small amounts. Evidence linking Red 40 to inflammation and other risks suggests reducing synthetic dye reliance may be a good health choice. Consumers can make informed decisions by reading labels and choosing natural options when possible.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional for personalized health and dietary recommendations.

Frequently Asked Questions

The official Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) for Red 40 is 7 mg per kilogram of body weight per day, a level deemed safe by the FDA and other global health organizations.

While not a cause, Red 40 can worsen symptoms like hyperactivity in sensitive children, and parents have reported improvements when the dye is removed from diets.

Studies in animals suggest a link between Red 40 and inflammation in the gut and changes to the microbiome. Further human research is needed.

To avoid Red 40, look for "FD&C Red No. 40," "Allura Red AC," or "Red 40" on ingredient lists. Choose organic products, cook from scratch, and use natural alternatives like beet juice.

While not fully banned in the US, some areas like California restrict its use in school meals. In Europe, products with Red 40 must have a warning label. Norway and Iceland have banned the dye.

No, Red 40 is not the same as Red 3 (Erythrosine), which was banned by the FDA in 2025 due to cancer risk concerns. They are chemically different.

Manufacturers and home cooks use natural colorants like beet juice, paprika extract, annatto, and pomegranate juice as alternatives to synthetic red dyes.

While long-term effects on humans are limited, concerns exist regarding potential links to inflammation, altered gut health, and carcinogenic contaminants. More research is needed to understand long-term effects.