E129 · Colours

Allura red

High risk allergencolourhyperactivitysynthetic colour

Azo dye linked to hyperactivity; EU warning label required.

Category: Colours
Acceptable daily intake: 7 mg/kg body weight/day (EFSA)
Vegan: Yes
Vegetarian: Yes

What it is

Allura Red AC (E129), widely known in the US as Red 40, is a synthetic red azo dye. It provides a bright, stable red colour to foods and is one of the most widely consumed artificial food dyes in the world.

How it is used in food

Provides a versatile red color.

Commonly found in

Candies and sweets
Sports drinks and sodas
Cereals
Cherry and strawberry flavoured snacks

Health and safety

Linked to hyperactivity in children; possible gut inflammation at high doses.

Allura Red is highly controversial. It is one of the "Southampton Six" artificial colours found to increase hyperactivity and attention deficit in children. In the EU, products containing it must carry a stark warning label. Furthermore, some individuals experience allergic reactions to azo dyes.

Hyperactivity in children

children · evidence: probable

The 2007 Southampton trial reported that mixtures including this colour increased hyperactive behaviour in 3-, 8- and 9-year-olds. EFSA did not accept the trial as establishing a causal link for any individual colour, but the EU legislated the warning label anyway: "May have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children."

Southampton Study on Food Colours and Hyperactivity

Allergic reactions

aspirin-sensitive individuals · evidence: established

Azo dyes like E129 can trigger allergic reactions, including hives, asthma, and swelling, particularly in individuals who are sensitive to aspirin.

EFSA re-evaluation of Allura Red AC (E 129)

Recent mouse studies debate gut-inflammation effects at high doses.

Regulatory status

Region	Status	Notes
Australia & New Zealand FSANZ	Permitted	Permitted.
European Union EFSA / European Commission	Permitted, warning label required	Authorised under Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008, but Annex V requires the warning statement on any food containing it. “may have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children”
United States FDA (Food and Drug Administration)	Permitted	Approved by the FDA (as FD&C Red No. 40) with no warning label required.

Identification on labels

E-number: E129
Colour index: 16035

Also printed asAllura Red AC · FD&C Red 40 · FD&C Red No. 40 · Red 40

Alternatives to this additive

E162: Beetroot red — Provides a red hue without the hyperactivity risks.
E120: Cochineal (carmine) — Natural and stable, though not vegan/halal.

How it is made

It is a petrochemical derivative synthesized through the chemical coupling of coal tar or petroleum byproducts.

Synthesis — Derived from petroleum, it is synthesized via the azo coupling reaction of specific aromatic amines.
Purification — The dye is washed to remove unreacted chemical precursors and heavy metals, though trace amounts may remain.

Worth knowing

It is the most-used red dye in the US, yet requires an EU hyperactivity warning label.

Conclusion

E129 (Red 40) is generally avoided by health-conscious consumers. While the FDA considers it safe, the mandatory warning label in Europe has led most EU manufacturers to switch to natural alternatives like beetroot red or carmine.

References

EFSA re-evaluation of Allura Red AC (E 129) — EFSA
EFSA evaluation of E129 — EFSA
Southampton study (Lancet 2007) — The Lancet
EFSA on food colours — EFSA
Southampton Study on Food Colours and Hyperactivity — The Lancet

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Entry last reviewed 2026-07-28.

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