Allura Red AC
A synthetic red azo dye (Red 40 in the US) and one of the Southampton Six, carrying a hyperactivity warning in the EU.
Allura Red AC is a synthetic red azo dye, sold as Red 40 in the United States.
What the research says
It was one of the dyes in the Southampton study linked to hyperactivity in children, and the EU requires a warning label on foods that contain it. It remains permitted in India and the US.
Where you will find it
Soft drinks, candies, flavoured milks, jellies and some snack seasonings.
CleanPlate verdict
Adds colour and nothing else. Worth avoiding for children when a naturally coloured option exists.
Related additives
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A synthetic antioxidant that stops oils from going rancid. Permitted within limits, but common in heavily processed, oil-rich foods.
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A synthetic antioxidant (butylated hydroxyanisole) that IARC classifies as possibly carcinogenic to humans.
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Vegetable oil hardened by hydrogenation. Labels rarely say whether it is partially hydrogenated (trans fat) or fully hydrogenated (saturated fat).
In 4 rated products →