Red 40

Also labeled as: FD&C Red No. 40, Allura Red AC, E129

The most widely used synthetic food dye in the US by volume. Gives candy, snacks, drinks, and baked goods a bright red or pink color.

Regulatory status: Not banned. In April 2025 the FDA asked manufacturers to voluntarily phase Red 40 out of the food supply, alongside five other synthetic dyes, by the end of 2026 (later pushed to 2027 on the FDA's own tracker).