Allura Red
Also known as: E129, Allura red ac, Allura Red AC, FD&C Red 40, FD and C Red 40
EU mandates a children's-hyperactivity warning label on any food/drink containing Allura Red (E129) or any of the other 'Southampton Six' azo dyes, under EU Regulation 1333/2008 Annex V. The required wording is: 'name or E number of the colour(s) — may have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children.' EFSA's 2009 re-evaluation kept the ADI at 7 mg/kg bw/day but acknowledged high-consumer children may exceed it.
What it is
Allura Red AC (E129; FD&C Red No. 40 in the US) — a synthetic monoazo dye, sodium salt of 6-hydroxy-5-[(2-methoxy-5-methyl-4-sulfophenyl)azo]-2-naphthalenesulfonic acid.
Red color additive used to provide bright red/orange-red coloring across processed foods, beverages, candies, and pharmaceuticals.
Why it's flagged
- EU-mandated warning label for child hyperactivity / attention
- EFSA notes high-consuming children may exceed ADI
- Listed among Southampton Six dyes implicated in children's behavioral effects
What regulators actually say
"Foods containing any of the [six] colours [including Allura Red AC (E129)] ... shall be labelled with the additional information: 'name or E number of the colour(s): may have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children.'"
"Only some children who consume large amounts of food and drink containing Azorubine/Carmoisine or Allura Red AC could exceed the ADIs for these colours."
"The Panel concluded that the present database does not give reason to revise the ADI of 7 mg/kg bw/day for Allura Red AC (E 129)."
Regulatory status
United States — FDA
Approved color additive — 21 CFR 74.340 (FD&C Red No. 40); subject to certification
European Union — EFSA
Authorized E129 with ADI 7 mg/kg bw/day; mandatory warning label under Reg (EC) 1333/2008 Annex V
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