As parents, we can’t help but worry about what’s going into our kids’ bodies—especially when it comes to things like food additives. It’s not just about feeding them; it’s about making sure we’re giving them the healthiest, most nourishing options. And let’s be honest: there’s no shortage of information out there telling us what’s “good” and what’s “bad” when it comes to what our kids eat.
One ingredient that often comes up in those debates is Red No. 40, a popular artificial food coloring. You’ve probably seen it in candies, snacks, cereals, and drinks, but what does it really mean for our kiddos?
Does Red dye cause hyperactivity in kids? Should we avoid it at all costs, or is it just another scare tactic? Let’s break it down and look at the bigger picture so we can approach this with a clear, balanced mindset—not one rooted in fear, but in knowledge and understanding.
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Misinformation Around Red No. 40
It’s easy to get overwhelmed with all the headlines warning us about the dangers of food additives. Some studies and news outlets make it seem like food dyes like Red 40 are ticking time bombs for our children’s health, leading to everything from hyperactivity to even long-term health issues. While it’s important to stay informed, it’s also crucial to sift through the noise and recognize when information is being oversimplified or exaggerated because let’s be honest – most of the time information is cherry-picked to create headlines and often lacks nuance.
The research on food dyes is far from conclusive, and the issue often gets clouded by extremes: one camp warns of serious health risks, while the other insists that the effects are minimal. In the middle, there’s a space for balance and understanding.
What Is Red No. 40?
Red No. 40, also known as Allura Red AC or E129, is a synthetic food dye derived from petroleum – don’t let this scare you. Just because it’s derived from petroleum doesn’t automatically make it unsafe. It’s widely used to provide a bright red hue to various food and beverage products – after all, we eat with our eyes. In the United States, Red No. 40 is one of the most commonly used food colorings.
Red 40 vs. Red 3: What’s the Difference?
It’s important to distinguish Red No. 40 (Allura Red AC) from Red No. 3 (Erythrosine), which has been linked to cancer in animals, not humans, and banned in cosmetics here in the US. The FDA just proposed a ban for Red No. 3 in food due to its link to cancer in male rats and if the ban is granted, manufacturers will have until January of 2027 to remove it from food.
Red No. 40 and Red No. 3 are both synthetic red food dyes, but they’re chemically different. Red No. 40 is a petroleum-based dye widely used in foods, drinks, and cosmetics, while Red No. 3 is iodine-based and less commonly found in food, mainly in items like maraschino cherries.
Common Foods Containing Red 40
While it’s worth considering ingredients like Red No. 40, it’s also important to take a step back and look at the bigger picture. The foods that typically contain Red No. 40—like brightly colored candies, sugary cereals, fruit-flavored drinks, and packaged snacks—aren’t exactly nutritional powerhouses to begin with. These foods tend to be more processed, higher in added sugars, and lower in beneficial nutrients.
So whether you’re concerned about artificial dyes or not, these are foods we should be mindful of in our kids’ diets anyway. The focus shouldn’t just be on eliminating one ingredient but on building a well-balanced diet with plenty of whole, nutrient-dense foods. Instead of stressing over every label, we can use this as an opportunity to encourage more fruits, veggies, and minimally processed options—while still allowing room for fun treats in moderation.
Red No. 40 is prevalent in a variety of processed foods and drinks, including:
- Candy: Gummy bears, Skittles, Sour Patch Kids, and other brightly colored sweets
- Snacks: Chips, flavored popcorn, and some crackers
- Beverages: Fruit drinks, sodas, and energy drinks
- Cereals: Certain breakfast cereals, particularly those marketed to children
- Desserts: Ice cream, cakes, and popsicles
- Condiments: Some sauces and salad dressings
The Facts: Does Red Dye Cause Hyperactivity in Kids?
Research on artificial food dyes and hyperactivity is ongoing, and there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. So what’s the deal? Does red dye cause hyperactivity in kids? Well, the answer is yes, AND…
The majority of children are not significantly affected by food dyes like Red No. 40. However, some studies suggest that artificial colors such as Red No. 40 MAY impact SOME children, particularly those with ADHD.
Here’s the thing, even the California Department of Public Health acknowledges that “there was no definitive conclusion that synthetic food dyes trigger behavioral responses in children.” What this means is that clear associations were not found in EVERY study. And while some studies show a possible connection, that doesn’t mean it’s the sole factor contributing to hyperactivity in children.
The Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA)—a global authority on food safety—recently reviewed dietary exposure to Red No. 40 in 2016. Their conclusion? Based on reported industry use and intake data, estimated exposure in children and other age groups falls within safe limits. JECFA determined that Red No. 40 does not pose a health concern at typical dietary exposure levels.
Key Findings from the Research:
- Historical Perspective: Dr. Feingold’s early research linked artificial food dyes to hyperactivity, but follow-up studies had mixed results.
- Meta-Analysis: A review of double-blind, placebo-controlled trials found a small but significant effect of artificial food colorings on hyperactivity, with an effect size of 0.283, which is considered to be a small effect.
- ADHD & Sensitivity: Some studies indicate that children with ADHD may be more sensitive to artificial food dyes.
- Behavioral Studies: In controlled trials, parents reported increased hyperactivity in children consuming artificial dyes, though clinical settings didn’t always detect the same effects.
Overall, while some evidence suggests Red 40 may impact hyperactivity in some kids, the research isn’t conclusive, and individual responses vary.
The Takeaway:
- SOME evidence suggests that Red No. 40 MAY contribute to hyperactivity in SOME children.
- Evidence is limited and most research shows only small effects.
- Most of the research comes from observational studies and small-scale clinical trials, rather than large, well-controlled randomized studies, which is considered the gold standard of studies.
- Most food safety agencies, including JECFA, the FDA, and the EFSA, consider Red 40 safe within normal dietary exposure levels.
- Red No. 40 is likely not the only contributing factor to hyperactivity in children.
Are Red Dyes Banned in Other Countries?
It’s a common myth that Europe has banned all the “bad” food dyes and additives while the U.S. is just out here letting kids chug neon-colored slushies without a care. But the reality is a bit more complicated. Different countries have different regulations, and while Europe requires warning labels on certain artificial dyes, they don’t outright ban all of them.
Meanwhile, the U.S. actually bans some additives that Europe still allows such as Green S (E142), Quinoline Yellow (E104), and Amaranth (E123).
At the end of the day, food regulations vary, and neither system is perfect. Instead of getting caught up in the “Europe vs. U.S.” debate, the best thing we can do as parents is focus on what actually works for our kids—whether that means cutting back on artificial dyes or just making sure dinner doesn’t turn into a full-blown meltdown (ours or theirs).
Why Doesn’t the U.S. Restrict Red No. 40 Like Other Countries?
One of the biggest reasons the U.S. and Europe have different food additive rules comes down to how they assess safety. The U.S. follows a risk-based approach, meaning regulators evaluate how much of a substance people are actually exposed to and whether that level poses a real health risk. It’s like deciding if a shark in the ocean is dangerous based on how close you are to it—if you’re far enough away, you’re probably okay.
Europe, however, uses a hazard-based approach, which is more like knowing sharks are in the water and thinking, “Yup, that’s dangerous no matter what.” They’re not taking any chances, even if the shark’s a mile away.
So, while the U.S. might say, “It’s fine as long as you don’t swim too close,” Europe’s like, “Let’s avoid sharks altogether, thanks.” Neither approach is wrong, they just prioritize things differently. It’s all about figuring out the safest way to navigate the waters—whether that’s keeping a safe distance or just staying out of the ocean.
Europe’s Approach (Hazard-based):
- Avoiding the water altogether due to the hazard of sharks in order to stay safe.
- Restricts potentially harmful additives before clear evidence of harm.
U.S. Approach (Risk-Based):
- Being in the ocean with sharks but only at risk if directly exposed.
- Waits for clear evidence of harm before making changes.
Are Red Dyes Being Restricted in the U.S.?
Some states in the U.S. have explored banning or restricting artificial food dyes, especially as concerns about food additives grow.
California is leading the way by banning six artificial food dyes—like Red No. 40 and Yellow No. 5—from foods sold in public schools, starting in 2027. This change, introduced through the California School Food Safety Act, is all about reducing kids’ exposure to artificial dyes, especially in school meals. Many view it as not just a win for health but also for accessibility.
Why is this important? If certain states take action, it could lead to a patchwork of regulations across the U.S., where the rules for food dyes could vary greatly. This could complicate the food supply chain and consumer choices, and manufacturers may have to alter their products or labeling to comply with these laws. A nationwide ban would streamline these regulations, but it would likely be a long process involving research, public input, and industry lobbying.
However, it is important to note that even the OEHHA report acknowledges that while studies suggest Red No, 40 may have an impact on hyperactivity in some children, they also admit that the overall scientific evidence does not conclusively prove that Red No. 40 causes hyperactivity – confusing, I know.
Basically what this means is that not all the studies are screaming, “This is it!” And instead they’re saying, “Maybe, but we’re still figuring it out.” And that’s where it gets a little confusing for us as parents trying to make the best choices for our kids.
The key takeaway? You know your child best—if you notice a connection with Red No. 40, you can make the call. But it’s not a one-size-fits-all situation.
The Downsides of Banning Red 40
While it may seem like a step toward improving public health, banning Red No. 40 could have some downsides:
- Cost and Availability of Alternatives: Artificial dyes like Red No. 40 are cost-effective and stable, which is why they’re widely used. Natural colorants, such as beet juice or paprika, are often more expensive and can sometimes lead to inconsistent results in products.
- Industry Pushback: Many food manufacturers rely on Red No. 40 and other artificial dyes for product appearance and consumer appeal. Banning such ingredients could disrupt the food industry, leading to changes in product formulation, labeling, and production processes.
- Potential for Misinformation: A ban could fuel misinformation and fear around all artificial food additives. It might create a ripple effect where parents become overly concerned about other non-toxic additives, even if they have no direct impact on children’s behavior or health.
Banning Red No. 40 would likely follow a legislative process that includes scientific reviews, public hearings, and debates between regulatory agencies, consumer groups, and food manufacturers. While it may take years for such a ban to be implemented nationwide, the conversation surrounding food dyes continues to evolve and as a parent myself, I understand the need to continue the conversation and research.
The Bigger Picture: Focusing on Nutrient-Dense Foods, Not Ingredient Lists
Here’s the thing: while it’s great to be aware of what’s in your kids’ food, the bigger picture is all about what they’re eating overall. It’s easy to get lost in the weeds, obsessing over every little ingredient or food dye, but let’s take a step back. Instead of focusing on eliminating specific ingredients like Red No. 40 or stressing over every single food choice, we can consider these ingredients while shifting the focuse to what you can ADD to their plate to provide more nutritional value.
Let’s talk about balance. If your child eats a variety of nutrient-dense foods—think fruits, veggies, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats—then the occasional treat with a splash of Red No. 40 is not going to derail their health. Instead of zeroing in on one food coloring, try to focus on creating a well-rounded diet that supports their overall growth and development. The goal is to make nourishing food the norm, and let the occasional treats be just that—occasional.
Helpful Tips for Parents: A Balanced, Fear-Free Approach
Focus on Moderation, Not Elimination
Occasional treats with artificial dyes like Red No. 40 are unlikely to cause major harm for most kids. Instead of stressing over eliminating every source of Red No. 40, aim for balance. Allow your child to enjoy occasional candies or colored snacks without guilt, as long as the overall diet is balanced and nutritious.
Offer a Variety of Whole Foods
Ensure your child’s diet includes a variety of nutrient-dense foods such as fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. A diet rich in these foods supports overall health and can help minimize the quatity of processed foods.
Watch for Behavioral Changes
If you notice any behavioral changes, like increased hyperactivity, after consuming food with Red No. 40 or other artificial dyes, try cutting back on those items for two weeks to see if there’s an improvement. Then you can reintroduce them to see if there’s a noticable difference. This observation can help you better understand how your child’s body reacts, without needing to completely eliminate all treats.
Consider Reducing Artificial Dyes
If you’re concerned about your child’s behavior, reducing artificial dyes in their diet can be a simple first step. Look for snacks and drinks that are free from artificial colorings, and opt for naturally colored options (like fruit or vegetable-based dyes). You can also look for organic products, as regulations prohibit organic foods to contain artificial colors, preservatives, or flavors.
Create a Positive Relationship with Food
Rather than restricting foods, the goal is to create a flexible and positive relationship with food. Allowing occasional treats while focusing on nutrient-rich meals fosters a healthy mindset and promotes long-term well-being. Focus on what you can ADD to the foods your family enjoys, has access to, and fit within your budget instead or eliminating and restricting.
The Bottom Line for Parents
Yes, some evidence suggests that Red No, 40 MAY contribute to hyperactivity in SOME kids, especially those with ADHD, but overall, the research is not conclusive.
Major food safety organizations, including JECFA, the FDA, and EFSA, have reviewed the data and agree that Red No. 40 is safe at typical dietary levels. The studies that do show a possible link tend to show small results, rely on parent observations (which, let’s be honest, can be influenced by a lot of things—like whether our kid skipped their nap), or don’t fully account for other contributing factors like sugar or overall diet.
However, at the end of the day, you are the expert on your child. If you notice that Red No, 40 seems to affect their behavior, you can always try cutting back and see if it helps. It’s kind of like experimenting with a new routine—sometimes, a small change can bring big results, and even if it doesn’t, at least you gave it a shot! But for most kids, the occasional artificially colored treat isn’t something to stress over.
If Red No. 40 were banned, it could make life easier by ensuring more foods are made without artificial dyes. But it’s hard to say if that would make naturally colored foods more affordable and accessible—or if reformulation costs would drive prices up. Either way, we’d need a little patience.
Instead of micromanaging one ingredient, it’s more helpful to zoom out—offering a variety of nourishing foods while still making space for fun. Because let’s be real, parenting is already a circus, and we don’t need one more thing to overthink.
