Food Additive DB

Cross-Country Regulation Comparison

Disclaimer: This database provides factual regulatory information compiled from official government sources. It does not constitute medical, nutritional, or safety advice. Regulatory status varies by country and may change. Always refer to your local regulatory authority for the most current information.

Allura Red AC

E129 | INS 129

Names & Identifiers

E Number
E129
INS Number
129
CAS Number
25956-17-6
Scientific Name
disodium 6-hydroxy-5-((2-methoxy-5-methyl-4-sulfophenyl)azo)-2-naphthalenesulfonate
Japanese Name
アルラレッドAC
Also Known As
Red 40, FD&C Red No. 40, CI 16035

Regulation Status by Country

🇪🇺 EU Approved 🇺🇸 USA Approved 🇯🇵 Japan Approved 🇦🇺 AU/NZ Approved 🇨🇦 Canada Approved

European Union

Status: approved | Max level: varies by food category mg/kg

Must carry warning: 'May have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children'

View EFSA Opinion →

United States

Status: approved | Certified color additive

Most widely used synthetic food dye in the USA

Japan

Status: approved | Category: 指定添加物

Australia / New Zealand

Status: approved | Code: 129

Canada

Status: approved

What is Allura Red AC?

Classification

Function: colour
Type: synthetic
Source: azo dye

How It's Made

Method: chemical synthesis
Synthesized by coupling diazotized 5-amino-4-methoxy-2-methylbenzenesulfonic acid with 6-hydroxy-2-naphthalenesulfonic acid.

Uses Beyond Food

  • Cosmetics: Used in various cosmetic products.
  • Pharmaceutical: Used as a colorant in tablets and capsules.
  • Industrial: Used in textile dyeing.

Commonly Found In

Allura Red AC is typically used in:

Candies and sweets Soft drinks and flavored beverages Baked goods and desserts Ice cream and frozen desserts Breakfast cereals Yogurt and flavored dairy products Snack foods and chips

Note: This list shows typical product categories and may vary by brand and region. Always check product labels for actual ingredients.

Safety Evaluations (Official)

JECFA (WHO/FAO)

ADI: 0–7 mg/kg bw/day
Evaluated: 2016

View JECFA Database →

EFSA (EU)

ADI: 7 mg/kg bw/day
Evaluated: 2009

View EFSA Opinion →

ADI = Acceptable Daily Intake (mg per kg of body weight per day)

Research & Official Documents

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Allura Red AC (E129)?

Allura Red AC (E129) is a colour used in food products. It is synthetic and azo dye. A synthetic red azo dye not found in nature, commonly used as a replacement for Amaranth.

What is the ADI for Allura Red AC?

The Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) for Allura Red AC is 0–7 mg/kg bw/day as established by JECFA (Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives). ADI represents the amount that can be consumed daily over a lifetime without appreciable health risk.

What foods contain Allura Red AC?

Allura Red AC is used in various food categories including Other confectionery, Chewing gum. It is used as a colour in these products.

Is Allura Red AC the same as Red 40?

Yes, Allura Red AC is also known as Red 40, FD&C Red No. 40, CI 16035. These are different names for the same substance.

Related Additives

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