Fact of the Day: 09/01/2023

When you look at the back of a food box and see Red Dye 40 listed as an ingredient, you probably don’t think much about it, but there may be a reason for you to exercise caution. Red Dye 40 is a synthetic colorant that has been used in food products for many years. It is made from products like petroleum, but has been considered safe for consumption by the FDA and EU agencies (par. 4-6). Recently, though, this red dye has been linked to migraines and allergies, and there is some evidence that shows some children may be sensitive to it, sensitivity that can lead to challenges such as ADHD. In conclusion, while there isn’t much concrete evidence to support the idea that Red Dye 40 is very harmful, it may be smart to look out for this and other colorants and be mindful of how much of them you consume. 

Reference(s): https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/red-dye-40#behaviors-in-children

Fact Author: Bailey W.

Fact Editor: Ace

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