Is Allura Red AC (E129) Vegan?

Also known as: FD&C Red No. 40, CI 16035, Food Red 17

Vegan

A synthetic azo dye derived from petroleum. Fully synthetic with no animal product involvement.

Ingredient Data

Vegan Status

Vegan

E-Number

E129

Also Known As

FD&C Red No. 40; CI 16035; Food Red 17

Source

A synthetic azo dye derived from petroleum. Fully synthetic with no animal product involvement.

Commonly Found In

Red and orange sweets, fruit drinks, strawberry-flavoured products, some medications and cosmetics.

Vegan Alternative

No substitute needed from a vegan perspective. Natural alternatives: beetroot red (E162), anthocyanins (E163).

Additional Notes

The most widely used red food dye globally, particularly in the USA where it replaced Red No. 2 (banned by FDA in 1976). Part of the Southampton Six (McCann et al., The Lancet, 2007). Approved in the EU and USA with some restrictions elsewhere. A common vegan-friendly alternative to carmine (E120), making it important for vegans to identify on labels.

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