E129: Allura Red AC

What is E129 (Allura Red AC)?

Allura Red AC (E129), also known as Red 40, is a synthetic azo dye used as a food coloring agent to provide a red to orange color in food and beverages. It is one of the most widely used artificial food colorings, particularly in the United States and Europe.

Source and Production

Allura Red AC is an entirely synthetic compound that does not occur naturally. Its production involves:

Chemical synthesis: Derived from petroleum byproducts 2. Azo compound formation: Created through a diazotization reaction 3. Purification: Processed to meet food-grade standards 4. Quality control: Tested for purity and unwanted byproducts

The dye is manufactured through complex chemical processes rather than being extracted from natural sources.

Common Uses in Food

E129 is commonly used in a wide variety of food products, including:

Carbonated soft drinks and fruit-flavored beverages
Candies, confectionery, and chewing gum
Breakfast cereals and cereal bars
Desserts, ice cream, and gelatin products
Snack foods (especially those targeting children)
Processed meats (sausages, hot dogs)
Condiments, sauces, and dressings
Baked goods and cake mixes
Medicines and supplements (particularly children's formulations)

Health and Safety

Safety Assessment

Allura Red AC has been evaluated by several regulatory bodies:

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA)
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
The Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA)

The JECFA has established an Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) of 0-7 mg/kg body weight for Allura Red AC.

Safety Concerns

Several health concerns have been associated with Allura Red AC:

Hyperactivity in children: Studies, including the Southampton study, have linked this dye to attention problems and hyperactivity in some children
Allergic reactions: Known to cause allergic-type reactions in sensitive individuals
Potential carcinogenicity: Some research has raised questions about potential long-term effects, though regulatory bodies maintain it is safe at approved levels
Histamine intolerance: May worsen symptoms in people with histamine sensitivity

Susceptible Populations

Certain groups may be more vulnerable to adverse effects:

Children with ADHD or existing behavioral issues
Individuals with aspirin sensitivity
People with allergies or asthma
Those with histamine intolerance

Regulatory Status

The regulatory status of E129 varies globally:

European Union: Approved as E129, but products containing it must carry a warning label stating "may have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children"
United States: Approved by the FDA as Red 40
United Kingdom: Permitted but subject to voluntary phase-out in some products
Norway and Sweden: More restricted use compared to other EU countries
Australia/New Zealand: Approved as food additive 129

Identification on Labels

Allura Red AC may appear on ingredients lists under various names:

E129
Allura Red AC
Red 40 or FD&C Red No. 40
CI Food Red 17
INS No. 129

Alternatives to E129

For those seeking to avoid Allura Red AC, several natural alternatives can provide similar colors:

Beetroot extract (E162)
Anthocyanins from berries (E163)
Carmine/cochineal (E120) - though not suitable for vegetarians
Paprika extract (E160c)
Lycopene (E160d)
Tomato-based colorings

Conclusion

E129 (Allura Red AC) is a synthetic food coloring with a moderate toxicity rating. While regulatory authorities have deemed it safe at approved levels of consumption, concerns remain regarding its potential effects on child behavior and allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. The requirement for warning labels in Europe reflects these concerns. Consumers who wish to avoid artificial colors may want to check product labels and opt for foods containing natural colorings instead.