Why Red Dye 40 Could Be Harming Your Health

Definition and Common Use of Red Dye 40

Red Dye 40 is a petroleum-based artificial food coloring. It is the most common synthetic food dye added to processed food products to make them more colorful and appealing. 

Food manufacturers prefer artificial food colorings because they provide a more intense and uniform color compared to natural alternatives. 

However, many people seek to avoid food dyes due to recent controversial findings about the harmful effects of food dyes, even though there are 9 certified color additives by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Red Dye 40 is one of the nine FDA-certified color additives and is also approved by the European Union.   

While Red Dye 40 is considered “not a health concern,” according to the World Health Organization, there are ongoing discussions regarding whether consuming synthetic dyes, including red food dyes, has been linked to several adverse health effects.

Historical Context and FDA Approval Process

The FDA has approved certain synthetic dyes for use by the food industry. They are called FD&C synthetic food colors because, in addition to food, they are also approved for use in drugs and cosmetics. Artificial (lab-made) food colorings require batch certification by an FDA chemist to check composition and purity.

Comparison of Red Dye 40 and Red Dye 3

The FDA has approved the use of Red No. 40 in foods. It is commonly found in breakfast cereals, gelatin, puddings, confectionery, cake mixes, baked goods, dairy products, ice cream, popsicles, salty snacks, protein powders, hydrogenated oils, and beverages such as sports drinks, energy drinks, and sodas.

Similar to Red Dye 40, Red Dye 3 is also a color additive made from petroleum. It is used to give foods and beverages a bright cherry red color. Red Dye 3 is commonly used in brightly colored foods such as popsicles, candies, and cake decorations. 

However, the difference is that while Red Dye 40 is permitted in foods, drugs, and cosmetics, the FDA has banned the use of Red Dye 3 in cosmetics and topical drugs. Red Dye 3 is only permitted in foods and ingested drugs.

What Makes Red Dye 40 Different?

Red Dye 40 is different in that it is a synthetic color additive. It is made in the laboratory with ingredients derived from petroleum and crude oil. Red 40 is not found in natural sources. 

Unlike natural dyes, synthetic dyes such as Red 40 are not metabolized by the body as easily, which can cause a chemical reaction and bind to proteins in the body. Additionally, according to a review published in the International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Health in 2012, Red Dye 40, Yellow 5, and Yellow 6  have been contaminated with carcinogens, which can increase cancer risk. Benzidine is one of the carcinogens found in these food dyes. 

Is Red Dye 40 Really Bad for You?

Red Dye 40 and ADHD

Some studies have shown that eating foods with an artificial coloring such as Red Dye 40 increases hyperactivity (ADHD symptoms) in children. Moreover, studies have also found that removing food items containing Red Dye 40 from a child’s diet leads to an improvement in behavioral changes and hyperactivity. 

My Child Was Diagnosed with ADHD, Now What?

Potential for DNA Damage

A 2023 study published in Toxicol Rep has shown Red 40 has adverse effects on the gastrointestinal tract. This artificial food coloring may cause DNA damage, especially when combined with a high-fat diet. In addition, study findings also show that Red 40 can cause changes in the gut microbiome and low-grade inflammation in the large intestine. These changes can contribute to the development of colorectal cancer. 

Notably, this is an animal study, and the authors acknowledged that human studies are essential to establishing the impact of Red Dye 40 on humans. 

Read: How To Rebuild Your Microbiome After Antibiotics.

Allergic Reactions and Sensitivities Associated with Artificial Dyes

Additional health concerns associated with Red Dye 40 include allergic reactions and symptoms such as hives, skin irritation, breathing difficulty (asthma), watery eyes, runny nose, sneezing, and headache. Read: How to Use an EpiPen: A Step by Step Guide.

Studies and Evidence on Health Impacts

More research is needed to gather conclusive evidence on the health impact of Red Dye 40. If you suspect that color additives in food products are causing health issues, try switching to natural ingredients.

The Controversy Surrounding Synthetic Food Dyes

The Debate Over Artificial vs. Natural Dyes

There is no doubt that natural options are healthier choices compared to artificial food colorings. However, natural alternatives tend to be less vibrant and therefore less appealing to customers. Synthetic dyes are not only brighter and more uniform, but also can be blended to create a variety of shades. Also, a synthetic food dye is considerably cheaper to produce than one obtained from natural sources. Therefore, it is unlikely that these food additives will be banned from processed foods anytime soon.

Synthetic Food Dyes and Their Impact on Health

As mentioned above, synthetic color additives like Red 40 and other artificial dyes have been linked to several health risks, including attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and red dye allergy. 

Additionally, according to a review published in the International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Health in 2012, Red Dye 40, Yellow 5, and Yellow 6 have been found to be contaminated with carcinogens, including benzidine. Carcinogens are substances that may increase cancer risks. 

Regulatory Perspectives on Color Additives in Food

Permitted food colors by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration are classified as:

• Synthetic color additives that are manufactured in the laboratory and are subject to certification.

• Natural color additives that are derived from natural sources and exempt from certification.

However, both natural and synthetic dyes must meet the FDA’s safety standards prior to being approved for use in processed foods. During the evaluation, the FDA considers the composition, purity, properties, amount normally consumed, acceptable levels, and short- and long-term health effects of natural and synthetic dyes.

How to Identify and Avoid Red Dye 40

Red Dye 40 is listed on food labels under various names. Look out for Red 40, Red 40 Lake, Allura Red AC, FD&C No. 40, FD&C No. 40 Aluminum Lake, and E129 on the nutrition or warning label.

Keep in mind that all food products containing red dye 40 are not red in color. However, this synthetic food dye gives foods a bright color that stains your lips and tongue. 

The Importance of Reading Nutrition Labels and Being Aware of Food Ingredients

You should read nutrition labels and choose foods that contain natural food coloring. These food dyes are obtained from plant sources such as fruits and vegetable extracts and are safer. 

Alternatives to Foods and Drinks Containing Artificial Dyes

When you are cooking at home, you can use the following natural alternatives to red food coloring: 

• Beet juice or powder

• Cherries

• Raspberries

• Goji

• Cranberries

• Strawberries

• Blueberry juice

• Pomegranate juice

• Dried hibiscus flowers

Living with Allergies and Sensitivities to Food Dye

Recognizing Symptoms and Triggers

The best way to find out if Red Dye 40 is triggering any health issues is to try cutting it out of your diet for a week or two. This may help you understand if your symptoms are caused by color additives or something else. For example, if excluding FD & C Red Dye 40 from your child’s diet leads to an improvement in ADHD symptoms, you should avoid giving your child foods that contain this red food dye.

Management Strategies and Dietary Adjustments

You may find that removing certain synthetic dyes from your diet improves your symptoms, and reintroducing them causes your symptoms to come back. If this is the case, you can make dietary adjustments and avoid the foods that contain these color additives. Keep in mind that in addition to foods, synthetic dyes can also be present in drugs such as cough syrups and chewables.

The Role of Allergy Testing and Professional Guidance

An allergy and immunology specialist can diagnose a food coloring allergy by doing a provocation or elimination test. Also called a food challenge, this test is done in a doctor’s office. It involves injecting a small amount of the substance into your skin to see if it causes an allergic reaction and skin irritation.

Guidance for Informed Choices and Healthy Eating

You can make healthier choices by reading food labels carefully and limiting the intake of processed foods by your family. The best way to minimize consumption of a synthetic food dye such as Red Dye 40 is to eat fresh foods and home-cooked meals. 

Further Research and Awareness

Red Dye 40 is one of the most commonly used artificial dyes in our food supply. If you suspect it is responsible for specific health symptoms, talk to your healthcare provider.