{"id":9004111223109027,"date":"2022-03-31T12:00:00","date_gmt":"2022-03-31T12:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.healthcoachinstitute.com\/?p=9004111223109027"},"modified":"2025-04-30T07:37:57","modified_gmt":"2025-04-30T07:37:57","slug":"red-dye-allergy-symptoms","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.healthcoachinstitute.com\/articles\/red-dye-allergy-symptoms\/","title":{"rendered":"Everything You Need to Know About Red Dye 40"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Those looking to avoid sugar know to stay far away from candy. But did you know there\u2019s another chemical in those Skittles that may cause you problems? Flavorless color additives\u2014namely Red 40, Yellow 5 and Yellow 6\u2014are often used in foods to add more fun and excitement for the consumer (would you really want to eat clear Twizzlers?). And while the FDA says it\u2019s safe to consume food dyes in small amounts, it\u2019s important to be aware of the possible health ramifications from ingesting too much.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this article we\u2019ll focus specifically on Red 40, a petroleum-based dark red dye found in candy, cereals, condiments and more. Remember that food is morally neutral, and you should detach from feelings of shame or \u201cbadness\u201d no matter what you eat<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Red Dye Allergy Symptoms<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Red dye and other flavorless color additives have been approved by the FDA, but there are some caveats. In order to get FDA approval, the dye must specify: 1. The types of food it will be used in, 2. The maximum amount allowed to be used, and 3. How the color additives should be identified on the food label. There are also specific guidelines around the amount one should consume in order to be safe. The current acceptable daily intake (ADI) of Red Dye 40 is 3.2 milligrams per pound. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Unfortunately, some people just have an intolerance to red dye no matter how much they\u2019re consuming. While this is commonly thought of as an allergy, it\u2019s actually a food intolerance. The problem is that symptoms are so widespread and similar to other illnesses, it\u2019s hard to diagnose unless it manifests as something severe like rashes or even anaphylactic shock. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If any of the following symptoms occur, you may want to evaluate how much red dye you or your child is taking in every day, or get tested for an intolerance:  <\/p>\n\n\n\n