Allura Red AC E129
synthetic — Primarily azo dye.
disodium 6-hydroxy-5-((2-methoxy-5-methyl-4-sulfophenyl)azo)-2-naphthalenesulfonate
CAS: 25956-17-6
Factual Regulatory Reference
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 is subject to change. Always refer to your local regulatory authority for the most current information.
What Is Allura Red AC?
Allura Red AC (E129) is a synthetic azo dye that produces a deep red color, synthesized by coupling a diazotized methoxy-methylsulfonic acid derivative with 6-hydroxy-2-naphthalenesulfonic acid. Introduced in the 1970s partly as a replacement for banned red dyes including Amaranth (FD&C Red No. 2), it is today the most widely used synthetic food dye in the United States, present in candies, soft drinks, cereals, yogurts, and baked goods. Although approved by the FDA (as FD&C Red No. 40), EFSA, JECFA, Health Canada, and FSANZ with an ADI of 7 mg/kg body weight per day, EU products containing it must carry the warning 'may have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children' as one of the 'Southampton Six' dyes.
? Did You Know?
Beyond food, Allura Red AC is also used in cosmetics, medicine, industrial applications. Its versatility makes it one of the most multi-purpose chemical compounds in everyday life.
Regulatory Analysis
Allura Red holds the distinction of being the single most consumed synthetic food dye in the United States, a market dominance achieved partly because it replaced several banned red dyes including Amaranth (Red No. 2). Its inclusion in the Southampton Six and the EU's subsequent warning label requirement created a transatlantic regulatory asymmetry for a dye that colors a significant fraction of American processed food, from candy to cereal to beverages. Recent animal studies suggesting effects on gut microbiome and intestinal inflammation have opened a new front in the Allura Red debate that extends beyond the behavioral endpoints that originally drove regulatory attention.
Detailed Regulatory Assessment
European Union (EFSA)
Must carry warning: 'May have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children'
Official EFSA LinkUnited States (FDA)
Most widely used synthetic food dye in the USA
Japan (MHLW)
Compliant with Japanese food sanitation law.
Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)
International Standard (JECFA)
mg/kg body weight per day
European Standard (EFSA)
Natural Occurrence
This additive is not known to occur naturally in significant quantities.
Manufacturing
Synthesized by coupling diazotized 5-amino-4-methoxy-2-methylbenzenesulfonic acid with 6-hydroxy-2-naphthalenesulfonic acid.
Applications Beyond Food
Used in various cosmetic products.
Used as a colorant in tablets and capsules.
Used in textile dyeing.