Red Dye 40: Facts and Myths Uncovered

Introduction

Red dye 40 is a substance that is prepared from petroleum and is approved for use in foods and drinks by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Its use is also approved by the European Food and Safety Authority (EFSA). Red dye 40 is made up of a chemical compound called Allura red AC, which is a naphthalene sulfonic acid. In a majority of people, red dye 40 is considered safe to consume, and there are no associated health risks, but a few individuals may be allergic to it. Red dye 40 is found to cause allergies, mental disorders in children, and migraines.

Which Foods Contain Red Dye 40?

Red dye 40 is one of the most renowned color additives that are a common component of many packaged and processed foods. It is advisable that one reads the labels to check for the presence of red dye 40 in the product, which can be listed under various names such as:

• Red 40 Lake.

• Red 40.

• FD&C Red No.40 Aluminium Lake.

• FD&C Red No.40.

• Allura Red AC.

• E129.

• CI Food red 17.

• INS no. 129.

Before heading to know about the side effects associated with red dye 40, it is essential to know which common foods contain this color additive. These common foods are as follows:

• Pastries.

• Candy and gum.

• Cakes and frosting.

• Cereals.

• Yogurt, puddings, and gelatins.

• Ice cream, soda, and popsicles.

• Energy drinks and sports drinks.

• Salty snack foods and protein powders.

Are There Any Harmful Effects Associated With the Consumption of Red Dye 40?

Previously, color additives were obtained from coal, but in recent times, they are manufactured from petroleum or crude oil (a fossil fuel). Though this might sound alarming, an article published in 2015 has pointed out the fact that these dyes are rigorously tested to make sure that they do not comprise even trace amounts of petroleum before being added to food products. However, these additives have been controversial among health experts for a long time. A few evidence to support this are as follows:

• It was reported by the National Cancer Institute that p-credine, which is a chemical used in the manufacture of red dye 40, was found to be carcinogenic (cancer-causing) in animals. In rats, a high oral dose of about 3,800 to 8,350 mg/kg was found to cause adverse reproductive effects. Though such huge amounts would not be present in grocery store items, there is a controversy that even small quantities of this dye might cause a range of various side effects in humans.

• The common cause for concern regarding the incorporation of red dye 40 in food products is its potential to cause hyperactivity in children.

• According to a review included in the International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Health in 2012, food additives like red dye 40, yellow No.6, and yellow No. 5 have been found to consist of cancer-causing agents (carcinogens). One of the carcinogens, namely benzidine, has been associated with an increased risk of causing bladder cancer.

What Are the Possible Side Effects Associated With Red Dye 40?

It is difficult to extract the exact cause of a few side effects caused by red dye 40 since this dye is used in combination with other food additives that may also result in a few symptoms. Possible side effects of red dye 40 are as follows:

• Allergic reaction.

• Hyperactivity, including attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). ADHD is a condition in which the development of the brain and its activity are affected, which affects one’s attention, self-control, and ability to sit still.

• Changes in behavior like irritability and depression.

• Sneezing.

• Hives and asthma.

• Skin irritation.

• Watery eyes.

• Migraines (a headache of differing intensity, which usually occurs along with nausea and sensitivity to light and sound).

Does Consumption of Foods Containing Red Dye 40 Cause Allergies and Migraines?

It is believed that red dye 40 causes allergies and migraines. Allergies manifest when the body triggers an immune response to a substance (allergen) that usually does not cause a response in a majority of individuals. These allergens may be mold, dust mites, latex, pollen, food, or food components. Allergic reactions have been reported in both kids and adults who consume foods containing natural and synthetic food colors. But these reactions tend to be mild, rare, and usually involve the skin.

Does Consumption of Foods Containing Red Dye 40 Cause ADHD in Children?

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurological condition in which the development of the brain and its activity are affected. It is usually diagnosed in childhood. Children with ADHD easily get distracted, are forgetful in their day-to-day activities, have difficulty concentrating on tasks, and have anger outbursts at inappropriate times. Based on current research, the FDA acknowledges that most children do not suffer from adverse behavioral effects following the consumption of foods that contain red dye 40. However, a few evidence shows that certain children may be sensitive to this food additive.

Though a few old studies have put forth the potential mechanisms by which food dyes may result in behavioral changes in children, the majority of evidence does not support this claim.

Is Red Dye 40 Safe or Not?

A few points that can be put forth to consider whether red dye 40 is safe or not are as follows:

• To date, studies have shown only very few side effects of these dyes. Also, the problem associated with most of these studies is the quality of the data. As mentioned earlier, it is difficult to pinpoint the side effects of a particular substance since so many additives have to be studied at one time. On the whole, there does seem to be conclusive evidence that consumption of certain synthetic dyes, such as red dye 40, can trigger irritability and hyperactivity in children who are susceptible.

• However, the percentage of the affected population is less. A majority of the affected population are children who have already been diagnosed with ADHD and are found to be increasingly sensitive to these food additives.

• There is no clear evidence that consumption of these dyes actually results in ADHD, but these dyes can worsen symptoms in susceptible individuals.

• More research and evidence are required for the FDA (The Food and Drug Administration) to add a warning label to food products that contain red dye 40.

• No matter what, it is advisable to stay away from dyes as much as possible to avoid any adverse effects, especially in children.

What Are the Natural Food Dye Alternatives That Can Be Used?

Instead of synthetic food additives, one can opt for natural food coloring from vegetable and fruit extracts. Some of the alternatives to red food dye that one can use at home include:

• Beet powder.

• Beet juice.

• Pomegranate juice.

• Beta-carotene.

• Blueberry juice.

• Cranberries.

• Strawberries.

• Cherries.

• Dried hibiscus flowers.

Conclusion

Red dye 40 is an artificial food dye manufactured from petroleum. The use of this dye in food products has been controversial since its incorporation has been found to cause allergies, migraines, and, most importantly, ADHD and other neurobehavioral effects in children. It is important that people check for the presence of red dye 40 on food labels as these might be mentioned under different names. Though there has been mixed evidence regarding the safety of red dye 40, it is best to stay away from the consumption of such synthetic dyes and prefer natural food dyes as an alternative.