Is Red 40 Banned in the UK?
Red 40, also known as Allura Red AC (E129), is a synthetic dye commonly found in sweets, drinks, and processed foods in the U.S.
But is Red 40 banned in the UK?
No – Red 40 is not banned in the UK, but it is heavily regulated. Products containing Red 40 must carry a warning label, especially due to concerns about hyperactivity in children.
“May have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children” – this warning must appear on foods with certain artificial colours, including Red 40.
Because of these strict regulations, many UK manufacturers avoid using it altogether. If you’re importing foods from the U.S. or other non-EU countries, be cautious — products with Red 40 might not meet UK labelling standards.