Red 40 is making headlines again as lawmakers debate whether food dyes should be banned in the US. Here's what health experts say about its safety. After the recent ban on Red Dye 3, food manufacturers are turning to FDA-approved dyes like Red Dye 40.
But is Red 40 safe? Here's what food safety experts say. A dietitian shares what we know about red dye 40, what foods typically contain the color additive and how to avoid it. Red Dye 40 is a synthetic food dye common in dairy products, sweets, and beverages.
For most people, it is safe to consume and poses no health risk, but some may be allergic to it. What to know about Red Dye No. 40 and artificial food coloring used in thousands of food and drink products sold in the U.S.
In May 2025, the FDA approved three more natural colors as food additives: white calcium phosphate; a blue color from Galdieria algae; and butterfly pea flower extract, which can appear blue, purple, green or red, depending on acidity. The red M&M remained discontinued until 1987. When it returned, Mars had switched to coloring it with Red 40.
Red no. 40 is a synthetic dye that's used in a variety of foods. It's one of nine synthetic dyes that the U.S.
Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved for human consumption. Red Dye 40 is an additive approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), found in many foods and drinks. Some evidence suggests a link to health complications like allergies and hyperactivity.
Red No. 40 is an azo dye and is one of the most widely used food colorants in the United States. This dye is commonly found in numerous product categories, including soft drinks, sports drinks, flavored yogurts, cereals, candies, and baked goods.
Red Dye 40 is an artificial color used in cosmetics, candies, and more. While safe to eat, Red Dye 40 has been linked to allergic reaction, ADHD, and cancer.