Allura Red AC (red dye 40)
Allura Red AC, commonly known as red dye 40 or FD&C Red No. 40, is a synthetic food and cosmetic coloring agent widely used in the United States. It provides a vibrant reddish hue to a variety of products, including candies, sodas, and cosmetics. This dye is classified as an azo dye, a group known for its bright color properties, and is derived from petroleum distillates and coal tars. Despite its popularity, Allura Red AC has been the subject of safety concerns, with research linking it to allergic reactions and potential hyperactivity in children.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has deemed Allura Red AC safe for consumption, requiring it to be labeled as "FD&C Red No. 40" or "Red 40" in ingredient lists. However, the correlation between the dye and health issues has led some countries, notably the UK, to implement restrictions and require warning labels on products containing synthetic dyes. This has prompted some manufacturers to reformulate their products for international markets. The debate over Allura Red AC illustrates the ongoing dialogue regarding food additives and consumer safety, with calls for further research into its long-term effects continuing in the U.S.
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Allura Red AC (red dye 40)
Allura Red AC, also called red dye 40 or FD&C Red No. 40, is a type of additive used to give foods and cosmetics a reddish hue. It is the most commonly used dye in the United States and is found in numerous foods and products. Allura Red AC is a synthetic, or manufactured, chemical compound made from coal and petroleum products. Concerns exist about the potential toxicity of Allura Red AC, and several studies have linked it to allergic reactions and hyperactivity. However, the dye has received approval from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which maintains that Allura Red AC is safe for human consumption and use.
Overview
Many of the products that contain Allura Red AC usually are shades of red or orange, but some items that contain the dye are not these colors. Allura Red AC is an artificial food coloring, meaning it is not made from natural products. It comes from petroleum distillates or coal tars. It belongs to the azo class of dyes, which make up about 60 to 70 percent of all dyes used in foods, textiles, and other products. Azo dyes are known for their intense and bright color properties.
In contrast, other dyes, such as natural red 4, contain ingredients found in nature. Natural dyes generally come from sources such as plants, minerals, or insects. Most natural dyes are not required by the FDA to be listed on product labels. However, some natural red dyes use the cochineal species of insects. Because cochineal can cause allergic reactions in some people, the FDA requires products containing cochineal to list either cochineal extract or carmine extract (a by-product of cochineal that results from the processing stage) in the ingredients. In addition, many people, including vegetarians and vegans, are averse to consuming bugs, contributing to the FDA's decision to require identifying cochineal in items.
In the United States, the FDA mandates that Allura Red AC be listed as "FD&C Red No. 40" or "Red 40" on ingredient labels of products. The dye is also known under names such as Red Dye 40, Red No. 40, C.I. 16035, C.I. Food Red 17, and E129. While Allura Red AC must be listed, its quantity does not have to be indicated.
Concerns exist about the safety of consuming or using products that contain Allura Red AC. Some studies have shown the dye to cause allergic reactions in some individuals. Other studies have linked it to hyperactivity disorders, such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children. The dye contains the chemical compound p-Cresidine, which the US Department of Health and Human Services "reasonably anticipates" to be a human carcinogen, or cancer-causing substance.
These concerns have prompted some nations to pass laws banning or restricting use of the dye. Some countries, including the United Kingdom, require warning labels on foods and other products that contain synthetic dyes. This has encouraged several companies to stop using these types of additives in their products sold in these countries. The FDA has continued to consider FD&C Red No. 40 safe for use and consumption, though several groups in the United States have called for the agency to conduct further studies into the possible dangers and toxicity of the dye.
Bibliography
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