Discover the potential dangers of red dye 40 in your child’s food. Learn about recent research on health impacts and why some parents are concerned.

Should you be concerned about Red Dye 40 in your kid’s food?  Read on to learn more about this synthetic food dye!

Fall is almost here!  Kids are getting ready to go back to school and you’re striving to reestablish their normal routines. During this hectic time, it may be a little harder to keep an eye on everything they eat.

As you’re doing your weekly grocery shopping, you might be surprised to learn that one of the most vibrant additions to food – Red Dye 40 – may be causing your family harm.  Understanding this color dye is the first step in kicking it out of your life!

Red Dye 40 is a staple food additive known for its bold, attention-grabbing color. It’s found in a variety of popular food items to make them look more appetizing – think of all the things that turn your kid’s mouth bright red or purple. Despite its widespread use, there are concerns about its health impact.

Key Points Ahead:

• Red Dye 40 is prevalent in many children’s foods, medications, and personal care products.
• Recent research is highlighting potential health concerns, especially for kids.
• There are simple things you can do today to protect your family from Red Dye 40.

What is Red Dye 40?

Red Dye 40 is one of nine synthetic colorings approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in foods, drugs, and cosmetics.  It gives food a bright red, orange, pink, or purple hue that makes it irresistible to kids. Here are some quick facts:

• It was approved for use in 1971 – over fifty years ago.
• It’s made from a petroleum base[i] (Don’t even get me started on all the issues with that.)
• It may be combined with aluminum (a toxic metal) and aluminum hydroxide in its “FD&C Red 40 Lake” form[ii].

How is Red 40 Different From Red 3?

Red 3, also known as erythrosine, is another bright red food dye that is only approved for use in food and drugs.

In 1990, the FDA denied a petition to allow it to be used in cosmetics because it had been found to cause cancer in rats. The mechanism by which it causes cancer in rats is not known to exist in humans.

Red 3 has mostly been replaced by Red 40 except for some candies and Maraschino cherries.  (Watch out for “Shirley Temple” drinks – the cherries contain Red 3 and the grenadine syrup contains Red 40.  A double whammy!) The FDA is currently reviewing a petition to have Red 3 authorization revoked for foods and drugs.

Red 40 Prevalence in Children’s Foods

Red Dye 40 is the most widely used artificial food dye in the United States – and that’s saying a lot since we’ve seen a huge increase in the use of lab-created food colors over the last 40 years.

Specifically, consumption of Red 40 increased by a staggering 500% from 1995 – 2010[iii]!

Most of the bright, processed foods that attract kids contain FD&C Red No. 40[iv] (I see you, M&Ms).

For example[v]:

• Cereals, chips, and other snacks
• Soda, juice, energy drinks, and protein powders
• Candy, gum, and gelatins
• Dairy products, ice cream, and popsicles

But there’s more.  

This additive is also found in prenatal vitamins, children’s vitamins, gummies, cough syrups[vi], and pain reliever syrups[vii].

And more.

Personal care products such as toothpaste, lotion, shampoo, conditioner, soap, make-up, and hair dyes can contain Red Dye 40.  Some examples include Crest Kid’s strawberry toothpaste, Colgate Kid’s bubble fruit toothpaste, Gallopin’ Grape Foam Soap by Crayola, Crayola Red Raspberry Fingerpaint Soap,  Irish Spring Body Wash, many scents in the Bath & Body Works line, and even Neutrogena’s Pink Grapefruit Clear Body Wash.

It’s seemingly everywhere.  But once you know where to look, you can protect your family!

Color Additives and the FDA

You might be thinking that the FDA goes to great lengths to protect consumers from toxins in the food supply.  With over 10,000 food additives, (and counting!) how can they keep up?

• The FDA must evaluate and analyze coloring samples from every batch created before it can be used.  Given the amount of lab-created dyes used every year, this must keep them busy!
• The FDA reviews approvals when adverse effects or reactions are reported (but you have to realize your health issue is related to the food dye in order to report it in the first place, and be able to prove it).
• The “Acceptable Daily Intake” (ADI) levels are based on studies 35-years old or more[viii].  It wasn’t possible for these studies to predict the multitude of additives in the quantities we see today, nor to foresee the potential impacts on children[ix].
• The daily amount of food additives, chemicals, and toxins we’re exposed to is greater than it was in 1971, and the impact is cumulative. (We live in a toxic soup.)
• The European Union has more stringent regulations and requires behavioral warning labels on foods containing Red Dye 40[x].

What Might Red Dye 40 Be Doing to Your Children?

When looking at your child’s diet, you may find Red Dye 40 is a common ingredient.  Let’s explore how it might affect your child’s health, including behavior, allergies, and other potential risks.

Potential Effects of Red Food Dye on Behavior

Several studies have explored the influence of Red Dye 40 on behavioral effects such as hyperactivity in children and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).  In one review of 27 clinical trials, almost two-thirds of the studies found a relationship between exposure to food coloring and “adverse behavioral outcomes[xi].”

It makes sense: Food dyes contain chemicals that are toxic to the brain (especially the developing brains of young kids) and can aggravate mental health problems[xii].

Is there a relationship between food color exposure and adverse behavior in your kids?  You don’t need research to tell you.  Your parental “radar” is the best judge!

Allergies and Sensitivities to Foods That Contain Red Dye 40

Allergic reactions, such as itchy skin and hives, could result from eating foods and drinks with Red 40.  Be especially vigilant if your child has a history of asthma.  A sensitivity is a non-allergic reaction and can include symptoms such as migraine headaches or digestive discomfort.

You know your kids best.  If you notice a difference in their health, listen to your gut!

Additional Research Findings

Here’s a sampling of recent research connecting Red 40 to even more health issues:

• Red Dye 40 affected learning and memory in rats and changed the structure of the brain after only 30 days of the Acceptable Daily Intake.  It also caused liver and kidney toxicities[xiii].
• Red 40 damaged DNA, and this was compounded when mice were given a high-fat diet similar to the Standard American Diet.  Over the course of 10 months, the mice developed gut inflammation and dysbiosis[xiv].  The authors of this study believe the increase in synthetic food colorings over the past 40 years is correlated to the increase in early-onset colorectal cancer.
• Synthetic dyes are acidic and can stain the dentin of our teeth.  This acidity also accelerates the accumulation of plaque-forming bacteria, leading to cavities.  Over time, these bacteria can enter the bloodstream and cause arterial damage and heart disease[xv].
• When a mixture of food colorings, including Red Dye 40, was given to pregnant rats, their offspring showed decreased motivation and increased “despair-related” behavior[xvi]. If your kids battle anxiety or depression, removing these dyes could be one piece of the puzzle.
• Red Dye 40 triggered irritable bowel disease-like colitis in mice[xvii]. Shockingly, three dyes (Red 40, Yellow 5, and Yellow 6) account for 90% of all dyes in the US.

While the above were seen in animal studies, the implications are profound.  Food colorings like Red Dye 40 may cause changes in brain structure, memory, learning, liver, kidneys, gut inflammation, dysbiosis, oral health, cardiovascular health, and mood disorders.

By extension, what could this mean for gut health, mitochondrial health, the integrity of the nervous system, longevity, toxicity, happiness, and more?

It’s crazy to risk the mental and physical health of our children just to make “food” look more appealing.

While more research should be done, you don’t have to wait to protect your family.

Natural Alternatives and Action Steps

When looking to avoid artificial dyes like Red Dye 40, understanding your options for natural alternatives and making informed choices is essential. Let’s explore some specific steps you can take.

Make Sure to Read the Labels (and Teach Your Kids to Read Them Too!)

As you look at food labels, you’ll often spot Red Dye 40 listed among the ingredients. Food manufacturers are required to list this dye in the ingredient list, providing transparency so you can make informed choices about consumption. Be aware of alternative names that might be used, as this can help you recognize the dye in various products.

• Allura Red or Allura Red AC
• FD&C Red No. 40 Aluminum Lake
• E129
• CI 16035 (Color Index Number)
• Red 40
• Red 40 Lake

Find Dye-Free Products

Navigating the grocery aisles for dye-free products doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Start by examining labels and looking for certifications such as “organic” which can indicate no artificial dyes. Steer clear of items with labels that state “color added” or “artificial colors.”

Additionally, you can turn to brands that prioritize natural ingredients and clearly state “no artificial colors” on their packaging. Shop for staples in their most natural state, such as organic fresh fruits and vegetables, which are inherently free from artificial coloring.

Healthier Substitutes

When it comes to healthier substitutes, think colors from nature. Brightly colored foods such as berries and beets, and vibrant greens from leafy vegetables provide not only a spectrum of colors to your diet but are packed with nutrients as well. For instance, berries like strawberries and raspberries offer a red hue and are high in antioxidants.

You can also create your own natural dyes for baking and cooking: purée beets for a red color or use ground turmeric for a yellow tint. By choosing these natural alternatives, you’re not only reducing your exposure to artificial substances but also enhancing your diet with a variety of beneficial phytonutrients.

Don’t Forget to Look at Personal Care Products!

Not all exposure to Red Dye 40 comes from food; some personal care products, like toothpaste and mouthwash, can contain these dyes. Checking labels for Red Dye 40 and its variants helps to minimize your child’s overall exposure. Choosing products with clear ingredient labeling can further safeguard your family’s health.

Small Actions, Done Consistently, Can Have HUGE Impact!

Red Dye 40 is one of the most commonly consumed food dyes and has been linked to numerous health issues. Consistently taking the steps above to eliminate as many synthetic food dyes as possible from your family’s diet can help decrease toxic burden and pay huge health dividends.

Key Takeaways:

• Be Informed: Keep learning about the food dyes present in what your family eats.  Now that you have this information, you can make safer choices!
• Read Labels: Check for Red Dye 40 and other synthetic food dyes in ingredients lists.
• Choose Wisely: Opt for natural alternatives when possible. Look for colorings from fruit or vegetable sources.

Remember, you’re in control of your nutritional choices and those for your children. (Who wants to feed their kids a snack of petroleum and toxic metal that will have them bouncing off the walls?  No one!)

Empowered decisions at the grocery store can lead to better health for the whole family. You don’t have to do it alone – I’m here to support, encourage, and cheer you along your healing path.

Frequently Asked Questions About Red Dye 40

When it comes to your child’s health, you want to make the best choices.  These FAQs cover some essentials you need to know about Red 40.

What are some common side effects of Red 40 in toddlers?

In toddlers, Red Dye 40 may lead to hypersensitivity reactions like hives or asthma. Some parents have reported behavioral changes in children, though individual responses vary.

Which popular foods should I avoid to prevent my child from consuming Red 40?

Common sources of dyes may include candies, cereals, soft drinks, and brightly colored desserts. Checking labels for Allura Red AC or other aliases is a proactive way to reduce intake.  Keep a food list of items you’ve found to be free from artificial colorings.

Can Red 40 consumption affect a child’s behavior and how quickly?

Yes, some children may exhibit hyperactivity or irritability shortly after consuming products with Red Dye 40. These effects can occur within hours of ingestion.

Is there a link between Red Dye 40 and ADHD symptoms in children?

Research indicates a possible connection, as some children with ADHD or hyperactivity may exhibit worsened symptoms after consuming food dyes.

How can I tell if my child has an allergy to Red Dye 40?

Allergic reactions may manifest as skin redness, rashes, swelling, or respiratory issues.

What is the duration of Red Dye 40 effects in children after ingestion?

The duration can vary; however, if your child is sensitive to the dye, you might observe symptoms lasting from a few hours to a couple of days after consumption.

How can I report my child’s adverse reaction to a food dye?

File a report with CFSAN’s Adverse Event Reporting System (CAERS).

Is Red Dye 40 the only food dye allowed in foods that is a problem?

No!  There are 9 artificial food dyes approved by the FDA.  Children are exposed to multiple lab-created chemical colorings every day and food dye consumption has increased substantially over the last several decades.  While certain children may be sensitive to the effects when consuming foods with dyes, the cumulative impact should not be ignored.  (Eating foods with red dye 40 once in a while is not the issue.  The issue is the long-term toxic burden of eating foods with a variety of chemicals and toxins day after day, year after year.)