Allura Red AC is a red azo dye that goes by several names including: Allura Red,
Food Red 17, C.I. 16035, FD&C Red 40, E129, 2-naphthalenesulfonic acid,
(2-methoxy-5-methyl-4-sulfophenyl)azo)-, disodium salt, and disodium
sulfophenyl)azo)-2-naphthalenesulfonate. It is used as a food dye and has the E
number E129. Allura Red AC was originally introduced in the United
States as a replacement for the use of amaranth as a food coloring.
It has the appearance of a dark red powder. It usually comes as a sodium
salt, but can also be used as both calcium and potassium salts. It is
soluble in water; in solution, its maximum absorbance lies at about 504 nm.
Its melting point is above 300 °C. Health effects
Allura Red AC has fewer health risks associated with it in comparison to
other azo dyes. There is no evidence to support broad claims that food coloring
causes food intolerance and ADHD-like behavior in children. It is possible
that certain food coloring may act as a trigger in those who are genetically
predisposed, but the evidence is weak. Regulation
Since the 1970s and the well-publicized advocacy of Benjamin Feingold, there has
been public concern that food colorings may cause ADHD-like behavior in
children. These concerns have led the FDA and other food safety authorities to
regularly review the scientific literature, and led the UK FSA to
commission a study by researchers at Southampton University of the effect of
a mixture of six food dyes) and sodium benzoate on children in the general
population, who consumed them in beverages; the study published in 2007.
The study found "a possible link between the consumption of these artificial
colours and a sodium benzoate preservative and increased
hyperactivity" in the children; the advisory committee to the FSA that
evaluated the study also determined that because of study limitations, the
results could not be extrapolated to the general population, and further testing
was recommended". The European regulatory community, with
a stronger emphasis on the precautionary principle, required labelling and
temporarily reduced the acceptable daily intake for the food colorings; the UK
FSA called for voluntary withdrawal of the colorings by food manufacturers.
However in 2009 the EFSA re-evaluated the data at hand and determined that
"the available scientific evidence does not substantiate a link between the
color additives and behavioral effects" and in 2014 after further review of the
data, the EFSA restored the prior ADI levels. In 2015, the EFSA found that the
exposure estimates did not exceed the ADI of 7 mg/kg bw per day in any
population. The US FDA did not make changes
following the publication of the Southampton study, but following a
citizen petition filed by the Center for Science in the Public Interest in 2008,
requesting the FDA ban several food additives, the FDA commenced a review of
the available evidence, and still made no changes.
In Europe, Allura Red AC is not recommended for consumption by children.
It was once banned in Denmark, Belgium, France and Switzerland, and was also
banned in Sweden until the country joined the European Union in 1994. The
European Union approves Allura Red AC as a food colorant. In Norway, it was
banned between 1978 and 2001, a period in which azo dyes were only legally used
in alcoholic beverages and some fish products.
In the United States, Allura Red AC is approved by the Food and Drug
Administration for use in cosmetics, drugs, and food. When prepared as a lake
it is disclosed as Red 40 Lake or Red 40 Aluminum Lake. It is used in some tattoo
inks and is used in many products, such as soft drinks, children's medications,
and cotton candy. It is by far the most commonly used red dye in the United
States, completely replacing amaranth and also replacing erythrosine in most
applications due to the potential health effects of the two dyes.
References External links
Record in the Household Products Database of NLM
UK Food Guide on E129 International Programme on Chemical
Safety Some more details, other common names
List of Foods and Drugs containing Red Dye #40