Quick answer
Red 40 usually appears on labels as FD&C Red No. 40, Red 40, or Allura Red AC. It is used for color, not nutrition.
Why it is used
Food makers use Red 40 to create or standardize red, pink, orange, or purple shades in packaged foods and drinks.
Where you might see it
- Candy
- Fruit-flavored drinks
- Snack foods
- Desserts
- Cereals
What to check on the label
- Look for FD&C Red No. 40 or Red 40 in the ingredient list.
- Use color additives as one label signal, not a complete nutrition judgment.
- Compare similar products if you prefer options without certified synthetic colors.
Sources and review
This entry is written for educational label context and reviewed against source-backed internal references.
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