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Allura Red (E129): Food Dye, Uses & Health

Allura Red is a synthetic red food dye (E129) commonly used in beverages, sweets, and processed foods. It belongs to the group of azo dyes.

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Things worth knowing about "Allura red"

Allura Red is a synthetic red food dye (E129) commonly used in beverages, sweets, and processed foods. It belongs to the group of azo dyes.

What is Allura Red?

Allura Red (also known as Allura Red AC, E129, or Red 40) is a synthetic azo dye that gives foods and beverages a vivid red to orange-red color. It is manufactured from petrochemical precursors and is one of the most widely used artificial food colorings in the world.

Uses and Occurrence

Allura Red is found in a wide range of processed foods and beverages. Common products that may contain E129 include:

Soft drinks and fruit-flavored beverages
Candies, gummy sweets, and fruit chews
Desserts, jellies, and ice cream
Sauces, dressings, and condiments
Breakfast cereals and snack products
Some medications and dietary supplements (as a coloring agent)

Regulatory Status

In the European Union, Allura Red is approved under the designation E129, but its use is subject to mandatory labeling requirements. Under EU Regulation (EC) No. 1333/2008, products containing E129 must carry the warning: "May have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children." This requirement was introduced following the publication of the Southampton study in 2007, which examined a potential link between certain azo dyes and hyperactivity in children.

In the United States, Allura Red is approved under the name Red 40 (FD&C Red No. 40) and is classified as safe (GRAS status) by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). However, it is not permitted in some countries, including Norway.

Health Considerations and Debate

Hyperactivity in Children

The Southampton study (McCann et al., 2007) investigated the effect of a mixture of six food colorings (including Allura Red) combined with sodium benzoate on the behavior of children. The study found that the mixture may have a negative impact on activity and attention in children. Based on these findings, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) reviewed its assessment of these colorings. In 2023, EFSA published additional concerns regarding potential neurological effects and called for further research.

Allergic Reactions

In sensitive individuals, particularly those with an aspirin intolerance or pre-existing allergies, Allura Red may trigger allergic reactions. Possible symptoms include skin reactions such as hives (urticaria) and, in rare cases, respiratory difficulties.

Current Safety Assessment

EFSA last evaluated Allura Red (E129) in 2009, establishing an acceptable daily intake (ADI) of 7 mg per kilogram of body weight per day. A comprehensive re-evaluation of all food colorings is ongoing under the EFSA re-evaluation program, with updated conclusions expected in the coming years.

Identifying Allura Red on Product Labels

Consumers can identify Allura Red on ingredient lists by the following names:

E129
Allura Red AC
Red 40 (especially on products from the USA)
FD&C Red No. 40

Consumer Tips

Parents who wish to reduce their children's intake of artificial food colorings should read ingredient labels carefully and opt for products colored with natural alternatives such as beetroot red (E162) or paprika extract (E160c). Individuals with known food intolerances should generally avoid azo dyes and consult a doctor or dietitian if uncertain.

References

McCann D. et al. (2007): Food additives and hyperactive behaviour in 3-year-old and 8/9-year-old children in the community: a randomised, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial. The Lancet, 370(9598):1560-1567.
European Food Safety Authority (EFSA): Scientific Opinion on the re-evaluation of Allura Red AC (E 129) as a food additive. EFSA Journal, 2009.
European Parliament and Council: Regulation (EC) No. 1333/2008 on food additives. Official Journal of the European Union, 2008.

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