Is Red Dye 40 SaferThan Red Dye 3? What Nutritionists Want You to Know
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This week, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced that food companies in the U.S. have until January 15, 2027 to rid their products of Red Dye No. 3. (Drug manufacturers, meanwhile, have until January 18, 2028.)
Due to the controversies surrounding the artificial food coloring — including evidence that high doses of the color additive have been linked to cancer in rats — many manufacturers are expected to continue turning to other FDA-approved artificial dyes like Red Dye No. 40 in order to continue legally selling and distributing their goods in the U.S.
But is Red Dye 40 safe? Here's what food safety experts have to say.
Meet the Experts: Jaclyn Bowen, M.P.H., M.S., is the executive director of Clean Label Project, a food and consumer safety nonprofit. Vanessa Rissetto, R.D., is the co-founder of the virtual nutrition care service Culina Health. Stefani Sassos, M.S., R.D.N., C.D.N., is the director of the Good Housekeeping Institute Nutrition Lab.
How is Red Dye 40 different than Red Dye 3?
While the artificial food dyes Red Dye No. 3 and Red Dye No. 40 (commonly known as Red 40) are both derived from petroleum — as most artificial colors are — Red Dye No. 40 has already become a popular choice among food manufacturers. While there are some similarities, the synthetic colorings are not the same.
"One key difference lies in its chemical composition," explains Jaclyn Bowen, M.P.H., M.S., executive director of Clean Label Project, a food and consumer safety nonprofit. "Red Dye No. 3 is an iodine-based compound, which is believed to contribute to its effects on thyroid function. This iodine content makes it chemically distinct from other widely used synthetic dyes, such as Red 40, which do not pose the same targeted risks to the thyroid."
Similar to Red Dye 3, this Red Dye 40 is commonly found in sodas, condiments, sweets dairy products, cereals and more. Also known as Allura Red AC, Red Dye No. 40 is often combined with aluminum to create Red 40 Lake, a non-water-soluble form ideal for products like chewing gum.
Is Red Dye 40 safe?
Despite its widespread use, many food safety advocates have raised concerns about the presence of Red 40 in the U.S. food system, similar to Red Dye 3 and other synthetic food dyes.
"Red 40 is considered somewhat healthier than Red Dye No. 3 because no carcinogenic concerns have been raised about it," says Vanessa Rissetto, R.D., co-founder of the virtual nutrition care service Culina Health. "However, the use and effects of these food dyes have not been rigorously evaluated in years."
Red Dye No. 40 was approved by the FDA in the 1970s and is one of the nine certified color additives permitted for use in food. However, in recent years, concerns have grown over its potential safety risks, including allergies and possible links to behavioral issues in children — but more research is needed.
California is already taking action, with a law banning public schools in the state from serving foods containing artificial food dyes, including Red Dye No. 40, set to take effect in 2027. Bowen predicts similar restrictions on synthetic dyes in the future. (The act also forbids Green Dye No. 3, Blue Dyes No. 1 and 2, and Yellow Dyes No. 5 and 6.)
"Consumers are increasingly drawn to clean-label options, and for good reason," Rissetto explains. "If you can’t pronounce an ingredient — or spell it — do you really want to put it on your plate or serve it to your family? Today’s shoppers are more mindful than ever about the foods they choose, asking the right questions about safety and quality."
Which foods contain Red Dye 40?
Due to longstanding pushback and controversial health studies surrounding the ingredient, many processed food manufacturers have already shifted away from using Red Dye No. 3, opting instead for Red Dye No. 40. Here is a shortlist of some foods that currently contain Red 40:
M&M's
Froot Loops
Swedish Fish
Kool-Aid
Frosted Strawberry Pop Tarts
The bottom line
If you're concerned about red food colorings or any synthetic food dyes, you can opt for brands choosing to naturally color their products using ingredients like beets, spirulina and turmeric — but experts emphasize that one of the most impactful changes you can make is to prioritize a diet rich in whole, real foods over ultra-processed ones.
Whether Red Dye No. 3 or Red Dye No. 40, red food coloring isn’t necessary for a balanced diet. If you want to be on the safe side, the best thing you can do is to carefully read labels and opt for products without them, says Good Housekeeping Institute Nutrition Lab Director Stefani Sassos, M.S., R.D.N., C.D.N.
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