Allura Red AC

Allura Red AC is a red azo dye that goes by several names including: Allura Red, Food Red 17, C.I. 16035, and FD&C Red 40. It is used as a food dye and has the E number E129. Allura Red AC was originally introduced in the United States as a replacement for the use of amaranth as a food coloring.

It has the appearance of a dark red powder. It usually comes as a sodium salt, but can also be used as both calcium and potassium salts. It is soluble in water; in solution, its maximum absorbance lies at about 504 nm. Its melting point is above 300 °C (572 °F).

Health effects

Allura Red AC has fewer health risks associated with it in comparison to other azo dyes.

Red 40 has been linked to cancer in animals as well as reproductive issues.

Red 40 sensitivity (as an allergy) does exist in rare cases.

ADHD Controversy

Some sources say there is no evidence to support broad claims that food coloring causes food intolerance and ADHD-like behavior in children. Other sources say that certain food coloring may act as an ADHD trigger in those who are genetically predisposed, but the evidence is weak and not supported by the FDA.

Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act

The United States Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (abbreviated as FFDCA, FDCA, or FD&C), is a set of laws passed by Congress in 1938 giving authority to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to oversee the safety of food, drugs, and cosmetics. A principal author of this law was Royal S. Copeland, a three-term U.S. Senator from New York. In 1968, the Electronic Product Radiation Control provisions were added to the FD&C. Also in that year the FDA formed the Drug Efficacy Study Implementation (DESI) to incorporate into FD&C regulations the recommendations from a National Academy of Sciences investigation of effectiveness of previously marketed drugs. The act has been amended many times, most recently to add requirements about bioterrorism preparations.

The introduction of this act was influenced by the death of more than 100 patients due to a sulfanilamide medication where diethylene glycol was used to dissolve the drug and make a liquid form. See Elixir Sulfanilamide disaster. It replaced the earlier Pure Food and Drug Act of 1906.