Learn Glossary colorant

Fd And C Red No. 40(E129)

Level 4Significant concernsIn Winter's Dictionary

Fd And C Red No. 40 is a colorant — Coal-tar coloring substituted for Red No. 4

Also: Allura Red AC

What it does

Coal-tar coloring substituted for Red No. 4

Where you'll see it

Wide use in cosmetics, foods, drugs

What the research says

NCI reported p-credine (chemical used in preparation) is carcinogenic in animals. High oral doses caused adverse reproductive effects in rats. Many American scientists feel safety is far from established.

Regulatory status

  • US FDA: ASP
  • EU: approved
  • Notes: British and European Parliament seeking ban for hyperactivity effects in children

Sources

  • A Consumer's Dictionary of Food Additives (Winter): the British and European Parliament, at this writing, are seeking to ban it because of its adverse affect on hyperactivity in children