FD&C Red Dye No. 40 is a widely-used dye manufactured from petroleum. It is used in food, beverages, cosmetics, and medications. Its safety is controversial because there are studies which have found that it may cause hyperactivity in some children. It has already been banned in Denmark, Belgium, France, Sweden, and Switzerland. Since 2010, the European Union requires food containing Red No. 40 to bear a label which states, "May have an adverse effect on activity in children." There are also animal studies which indicate that the manufacture of Red No. 40 uses chemicals that may be carcinogenic, including p-Cresidine, which the United States Department of Health and Human Services says is “reasonably anticipated” to be a human carcinogen.
Brands that use Red No. 40 include: Altoid's, Brach's, Dannon, Frito-Lay, General Mills (Lucky Charms, Trix), Hershey's (Jolly Rancher, Twizzlers), Kellogg's (Froot Loops), Kraft, McCormick, Mars (M&M's, Skittles, Starburst), Nabisco, Pillsbury, Post (Fruity Pebbles), Proctor & Gamble (Duncan Hines cake mix), Quaker, Smuckers, and Yoplait.
Even though there is currently no consensus that Red No. 40 is unacceptably risky to humans, why should we take unnecessary chances, especially with our children, when alternatives are available? Some alternatives include beets, carotene, black or purple carrots, elderberries, paprika, purple sweet potatoes, red cabbage, and turmeric. If consumers put pressure on corporations to stop using Red No. 40, there is no doubt that they will find and use natural alternatives. All we have to do is demand it.
